Posts by romain
Newsletter 10
Newsletter 9
Narek, Armenia
«During this week, I learned a lot — not only about the different Christian cultures and traditions, but also about the true meaning of peace. Peace begins within us when we learn to listen, understand, and accept each other’s differences with love. These encounters have allowed me to see how…
Read MoreSarra, Algeria
«Life on the boat taught me that it is possible to build peace through ordinary and simple gestures: sharing activities, dancing, listening to each other, cooking dishes that we sometimes taste for the first time in our lives, and simply being present when the other needs it. We managed to communicate…
Read MoreKonstantin, Serbia
«The crew taught us knots, and what we really learned was how to create bonds as human beings, so that even the most violent storm could not undo the knots thus tied (in Serbian, this makes even more sense, because “noure” and “lijeg” are pronounced…
Read MoreNathalia, Lebanon
«Day after day, team after team, topics were opened up, questions were asked, and we engaged in elegant and thoughtful discussions—not with the aim of changing anyone’s opinion, but to share our thoughts. We were invited to a party on our last night in…
Read More«We wanted to open this path in the sea as a sign of hope»
Introductory words of Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, upon the arrival of Bel Espoir in Marseille on October 25 last year. Two years ago, on the morning of September 23, 2023, just behind me, in the auditorium of the Palais du Pharo, we had the joy of welcoming Pope Francis in Marseille on the occasion of the…
Read MoreJihad, Egypt
«I didn't want to write about this experience, then I realized that I was running away — that's why I'm sending this message so late... I remember that when I decided to go on a trip, I ran away from everything: my family, my anger, the traditions, and this cruel world. I didn't want...
Read MoreFrancesca, Italy
«My dear Med25, I am grateful to have lived this blessed journey. I begin by thanking all the people involved in this project, because it has left a deep imprint on my heart. Participating in this school of peace was exactly what I needed during this difficult period. It has given me hope and...
Read MoreBaidar, Iraq
Recognizing the peace you have given me since the day I returned, my view of the world has changed. Until now, I still try to process all the information and experiences I have acquired, and I constantly try to stay in touch even though I am overwhelmed with work. So I decided…
Read MoreJesus, Spain
«Participating in MED25 on Bel Espoir was one of the most — if not the most — significant experiences of my life. I arrived with many questions: is real change possible, especially in the fields of peace and social justice? What is my own path? And…
Read More“We all live together in this world, and we all have a common responsibility.”
Speech by Saint Pope Leo XIV at the Bel Espoir Bridge for the young people of Session 8 and the staff of the AJD, on October 17th, in Ostia, in the presence of Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline and the coordinator of the Mediterranean meetings, Alexis Leproux. «Thank you very much, Your Eminence, for your words. I will begin in Italian in order to…
Read MoreReligious experience is the principle and strength of the relationship.
Intervention by Professor Giuseppina De Simone at the symposium at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Southern Italy in Naples, on October 13th, in the presence of the young people from the 8th session who are passing through Ostia, the port near Rome, to join Marseille on October 25th next. The religious experience as a space for building…
Read MoreNewsletter 8
Amina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
« From the first moment, I knew it will not be just about crossing the sea, but also about overcoming personal barriers. The stay on the boat was challenging from the very first day. I believe most of us reflected deeply on our lives that first evening when seasickness struck and we all found ourselves sick…
Read MoreFrancesc, Spain
« Our days on the boat led me to question not only my personal journey but also the broader question of the meaning of life itself. Sometimes it feels as though everything is arbitrary: we are born in one place, not another; to one family, with one story, among countless possible ones. Philosophers speak of absurdism,…
Read MoreAnfel, Algeria
« What touched me most was the sense of community that was created almost instantly. Waking up every morning to the same faces, listening to each other’s stories, sharing meals, laughter, and sometimes silences, it all felt like living a fever dream. I will never forget the courage and vulnerability of those who opened up about…
Read MoreMajdi, Palestine
«My overall impression of the trip is one of deep gratitude. Seeing the ship as a school of life was truly the right context for this experience. On the first day, when the sea was at its roughest, most of us felt either sick or afraid. For the first few hours, I stayed apart from…
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