Discover hope and faith through art

“Where God has planted you, hope! … Live, love, dream, believe…” With these words of Pope Francis, Gen Verde starts their music video, “I’ve got hope.” The song lyrics are timely and a good challenge for each of us: “I won't surrender to the darkness/I will stand my ground and believe/My own worst enemy is inside me/lf I trust in Love I will be free.”

While many developments in today's world are negative – and many young people are suffering from anxiety and depression – the members of Gen Verde found meaning and hope in the words of Jesus. And the 19 artists from 14 countries live up to the words they share in the song, communicating with their life experiences the message of hope they found in the Gospel.

Each member felt called by God to leave everything behind, and they dedicated their lives to spreading the message of the Holy Gospel – through the arts. And their experience – for example, an American songwriter, a South Korean composer, an Italian actress and a Brazilian musician developing songs together – shows that unity in diversity is possible. They put the dialogue they promote into practice among themselves, building bridges among their different cultural heritages and social backgrounds.

The discovery of God’s love was a freeing experience for each of them. As artists, it enabled them to overcome shyness or doubts in their abilities, and they want to share this freedom and trust with young people who increasingly feel overwhelmed and unprepared.

Therefore, Gen Verde developed heir “Start Now!” workshops aimed at young people 14-18 years old. The participants get professional training in dance, choir, percussion or drama, but first and foremost, they experience how to express themselves in a trustful environment. At the same time, the members of Gen Verde share how their faith impacted their journey and the lives of others.

The Youth Performing Arts Camp will be held in Corpus Christi from October 11 – 15. For the first three days – Wednesday to Friday – participants will meet every day from 8 am – 12 pm at St John Paul II High School in their respective workshops. On Saturday, everyone will meet at 3 pm at Mary Carroll High School for rehearsal, putting all the different performances together. At 7 pm, the concert begins – everyone can attend. The access is free of charge (due to the visa of the band members, tickets cannot be sold, but donations to the Diocese of Corpus Christi are welcome so that events like this one are possible).

On Sunday, the participants meet for conclusion and reflection from 9-11 am at St John Paul II High School. Everyone is invited to attend the 12:30 pm mass at the Cathedral with their families, where Gen Verde will provide the music and a Meet & Greet with light refreshments in St. Joseph’s Hall.

The Youth Performing Arts Camp is free of charge because every High School student in the diocese should be able to participate. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of this unique event.

The number of participants is limited to 160, and enrollment will be made on a first-come-first-served basis.

Volunteers are needed – there are many ways to help, from registration, photography, sound and lighting, first aid to hospitality. Volunteers must have completed a Safe Environment Training.

For more information and registration of participants and volunteers, go to diocesecc.org/ypa.