Mariapolis: a small temporary 'city' where people of different ages, languages, and backgrounds try to practice together the only law of this city: Jesus’ new commandment, ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ The focus of everything is on being a ‘neighbour’ to the others, by listening well to them, serving in concrete ways, sharing joys, sorrows, and fears for the uncertain future of our planet…
A Mariapolis was held in Beit Jala from March 28-30, 2025, and included courageous talks on 'hope': not 'I hope that things will change,' but the hope that stems from the certainty of God’s Love and is expressed in loving every neighbour, working for justice and trying to build peaceful relationships everywhere.
In fact the main theme of those days was 'Who are you for me?' This idea of being close to others was the topic of the talks, the exchanges in six sharing groups, the common prayers among Christians from different Churches, the daily supplication to God for peace, the six workshops and even the festive final evening with many families, young people and children present, who also had programs of their own on this theme.
Some impressions:
“From the very first day, we felt like one family, even though we didn’t know each other. My impression was extremely positive.”
“We live in a world that promotes materialism and consumerism, teaching people to take instead of give. Here, we experience a culture of giving—a way of thinking and loving others.”
“Every moment that we experienced was filled with joy and the grace of being able to be together. The Mariapolis continues in our hearts and in our daily lives.”
Original video published in cmc-terrasanta.org