The Shalom Catholic Community was present at the gatherings the Pope held with young people during his recent visit to Spain, from June 6–12, in both Madrid and Barcelona. Through its missionaries and members of the Shalom Work, the community experienced days marked by faith, ecclesial communion, and a renewed call to evangelization.
Experience in Madrid
Flávia Castro and Francesca Galeano joined more than 200 young people from Granada on a pilgrimage organized by the Youth Ministry. Five buses transported young people, seminarians, and religious sisters to Madrid for the events with the Holy Father.
Upon arriving in the Spanish capital, the pilgrims took part in a vigil that brought together thousands of young people. According to the missionaries, despite long hours of travel and waiting under high temperatures, the atmosphere among participants was one of enthusiasm, marked by songs and expressions of support for the Pope.
One of the central moments of the program was the Holy Father’s passage among the pilgrims. The missionaries also highlighted the Eucharistic Adoration held during the vigil, when the gathered young people participated in a moment of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
“It was very beautiful to see that entire place filled with people and yet completely silent before Jesus,” Flávia recalled.
The following day, they participated in the celebration of Corpus Christi, once again in the Pope’s presence. Among the aspects they emphasized were the call to holiness, the invitation to keep one’s gaze fixed on the realities of heaven, and the experience of communion with the Church in Spain, especially with the Church of Granada.
Barcelona: Vigil, Reconciliation, and Mission
In Barcelona, Gabriela Chehab participated in the various events organized during the papal visit. The program began with the reception of the Holy Father at Barcelona Cathedral, where numerous young people remained gathered for several hours awaiting his arrival.
Later, accompanied by members of the Shalom prayer group, Gabriela attended the vigil held in Montjuïc. The journey to the venue was marked by moments of fellowship, singing, and evangelization initiatives.
Among the events that stood out to her, Gabriela highlighted the passage of the popemobile and the blessing the Pope gave to a baby from one of the prayer group families. She was also deeply moved by the solemn entrance of the cross during the song “You, the Only King” and by the testimony of a young woman who shared her experience of healing through forgiveness and reconciliation.
According to Gabriela, the Pope’s reflections on Nicodemus and on the need to face life’s difficulties with hope were among the messages that resonated most strongly throughout the gathering.
“We are called to be a new spark for the world and to bring hope wherever darkness seems to reign,” she summarized.
The next day, she participated in the celebrations held around the Basilica of the Sagrada Família. During the events, the Holy Father emphasized that God offers every person a place in His heart and a vocation to eternity.
Gabriela also highlighted the Pope’s reference to Antoni Gaudí, presenting him as someone who placed his talents at the service of faith.
The Presence of the Shalom Charism in Spain
The Granada mission was founded in 2013 and currently includes 11 missionaries from both the Community of Life and the Covenant Community, as well as a Shalom Work that gathers approximately 50 people.
The Barcelona outreach was founded on May 14, 2023, and carries out its activities at the Parish of the Miraculous Medal (Parròquia de la Miraculosa), located at 110 Consell de Cent Street. The initiative currently brings together around 28 participants through its Shalom Work.
By Halima García
