Discover hope and faith through art

BY SUSANNE JANSSEN

“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 present a good challenge to refrain from today’s negativity: “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 seem on the gloomy side – and many young people are suffering from anxiety and depression – the members of Gen Verde found meaning and hope in the words of Jesus. 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.

The band is a unique project – it started, in fact, at Christmas 1966. Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement, gave a group of girls an unusual gift – a green drum set. It became the symbol of a new approach to answering the signs of the times: music and artistic talents are tools to contribute to a more united and fraternal world, a witness that humanity still can choose peace instead of war and love of neighbor instead of indifference.

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 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. Putting together their talents and their internationality brings about a cultural richness that is both unique and compelling.

The discovery of God’s love was a life-changing 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 their “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.

On their U.S. tour that brings them to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, Gen Verde will stop at Corpus Christi, too, for various concerts and appointments. An acoustic concert, “Arise,” specially geared (but not only) toward young adults, takes place on Tuesday, October 10, at 7 pm at the Msgr. Richard Shirley Youth Center, St. Pius X Parish (813 Lum Ave., Corpus Christi).

Th e Youth Performing Arts Camp will be held 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, the camp participants will perform with Gen Verde at 7 pm at Mary Carroll High School. 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). Reserve your spot by signing up at diocesecc.org/genverde.

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.

All events are free of charge. However, donations are welcome and needed to cover the cost of these unique events.