"We're All God's Children"

By Julia St. Clair

From an early age, Marysia Kasprzak felt connected to God and the young. “I had a big devotion to Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament and always desired to work with youth growing up,” she reminisced. “I always wanted to do something great with my life and I think this is something that is in the hearts of a lot of young people. However, as young people get older and go through hurts, they can have doubts about their value and purpose in life,” she continued. “My passion is to show them that they have a unique and irreplaceable role in this world and that they matter.”

Eventually, Kasprzak became attracted to the Salesians due to their joy, excitement, and playfulness. “I was also amazed by how the Salesians combined my two passions: love for God, with a special devotion to Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament, and service and love of youth,” she beamed.

In January 2020, Kasprzak became the Assistant Program Director at the Don Bosco YLC in Montréal, QC. As she prepared for her first CYM Meetings nine months later, Kasprzak became excited and did not know what to expect. Once she heard the experiences of several members of the Salesian Family within a panel of individuals directly affected by racism, Kasprzak was deeply moved. “I never heard people speak so honestly and personally,” she explained. “Seeing their hurt and pain because of what had happened left a lasting impact. It was unforgettable.”

Kasprzak loved the openness and vulnerability that occurred throughout all three days of the CYM Meetings. Another key moment that stuck out for her was when Fr. Abraham Feliciano shared an exchange he shared with Kevin Cruz, a panel member and alumnus of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Washington, DC. Fr. Abraham asked Cruz, “What can the Salesians do for you?” to which Cruz responded, “I just want to be known.”

“Our youth are the same as each of us,” Kasprzak declared. “We’re all God’s children. At the end of the day, we all want to be known and be assured that the young are heard by us.”

With this in mind, Kasprzak realized that change begins on a local level. “We have to start the conversation,” she offered. “Each local parish and center could give a survey with anonymous and honest feedback of our youth. Next, we could create a presentation or workshop that would serve as a ‘safe space’ where people can share their experiences.”

Moreover, giving youth a safe space would enhance their connection to the entire Salesian Family. “When we allow our youth to be open with us, we build friendship and trust with them,” she explained. “Ultimately, they feel loved by us.”

Another proposal Kasprzak would recommend would be to host a cultural event to unite communities. “Such an event would bring our Italian and Latino communities in Montrèal together,” she suggested. “At the end of the day, we’re all Salesians. We can all have fun and praise together.”