That's 125 young people who left their daily lives to seek the Lord Jesus during the Ninth Franciscan March held in Syria from Sept. 5-11. A March that started from Tartous, then passed through Al-Kharabat, Al-Souda and Dahr Safra before reaching Al-Kharab. ARAKSSI SABURRA Aleppo "Before the march I was living as if in a fog, I couldn't see anything in any direction. Then during the march I felt that the fog had dissipated and everything became clearer in my life, I was smiling at life, it was as if God said to me, "Welcome". "Your word is in my heart." This is the title of the march, which was early from Psalm 119: "I have put your word in my heart, lest I sin against you." Br GEORGE JALLOUF, ofm "I have been called, through this psalm, to hide the word of God in my heart so that it may accompany me on my life's journey, in my joys and sorrows." A path that sometimes seems impossible to face, but instead is meant to teach: man needs a supportive companion or friend to discover that the other is a gift from God for our lives. EMILE ASSLAN Al-Hasakah On this march I experienced the true meaning of cooperation. ANGELA AL DAOUD Homs During the march I met God through the many people who were close to me. Also through the friars and nuns who supported me. I felt their love and goodness. A spiritual evening centered on the Word of God, which must be the basis for the lives but also the actions of young people. AMINE MANSOUR Suwayda The issues addressed during this march changed me profoundly and made me discover things about myself that I did not know. A meaningful experience that these young people men and women were also able to experience through the "Dream Workshop." Br GEORGE JALLOUF, ofm Each of us has many dreams that we want to fulfill. But the goal is to dream of God with me so that His dreams are fulfilled in me, and not to fulfill them alone. The young people also had an important experience during the washing of feet done by the friars. AMINE MANSOUR Suwayda The humbleness of all the priests when they washed our feet...that was the moment that touched my heart the most. This taught me how much humility but also pride are needed to reach God. According to Br. Samhar Ishaq, the march had a positive impact on the young people: they learned the spirituality of St. Francis, to approach life from the perspective of St. Francis, that is, with simplicity and without complexity. They also experienced joy after the physical effort of the march, a metaphor for life. Br SAMHAR ISHAQ Responsible for the Ninth Franciscan March in Syria To the young people I say this: the Franciscan march is over at a certain time, but it is not over in their lives. They must keep it in their hearts. Their journey did not end in a specific place, but continues everywhere: at home, with friends, at work and at university. The march represents the love, mercy, joy and peace they have experienced, and this must give them hope.