On Saturday, April 5, the Community organized the “You Are Precious” course for the first time on Croatian soil. It was a day filled with prayer, fellowship, and formation, attended by dozens of young people who, through prayer, adoration, and teachings on healing self-image, were able to discover a deeper understanding of the value of human life in God’s eyes, receiving healing for their self-image and self-esteem.
The young participants were accompanied by a group of missionaries from the Life and Covenant Community, including the first two Croatian vocations of the Shalom Community.
For Sabina Mikor, a postulant in the Life Community, this gathering was a powerful experience of God’s grace at work among her people:
“I am deeply moved by the action of God’s grace, especially in the hearts of the Croatian people—my people. Seeing how the Shalom charism is alive, growing, and international—meant for the whole world, including my country, Croatia—has deeply touched me. Being able to sing, pray, and welcome others in a way that reflects our own culture really moved me. I feel my heart full and grateful, renewed by God and by this experience of His love and providence.”
For Mateja Dugandžić, a postulant in the Covenant Community in Rome, being “light and salt” among other young Croatians was an unforgettable missionary experience:
“The Lord is working in the hearts of young people who don’t yet know the Community, but He is already drawing their hearts and moving in their lives. It’s the offering of life from each missionary and the Community that makes this possible. For me, serving my people and seeing how open the youth are—their interest in the charism—was a confirmation of the New Work God wants to bring about among the youth of Croatia.”
Among the young participants, the “You Are Precious” course also opened the door to an encounter with God’s love that marked “a before and after” in their journey of faith, as 27-year-old David Cesar, a young Croatian, testified:
“Some friends had already told me about the ACAMPS Summer Festival—the summer camp organized by the Shalom Community—and I was curious to learn more. During this day, I was really struck by the joyful atmosphere, the closeness, the ability to share. I felt at home. I had a real experience of going deeper in my relationship with God the Father. I encountered myself and Christ. I also realized how important it is to feel accompanied in life in general. I’m counting the days until the next ACAMPS!”
Find more about ACAMPS Summer Festival 2025 in Italy
