Thomas Geze, priest of Chemin Neuf, shares his experience following his participation in the third stage of MED25, a project in which the Chemin Neuf Community is a partner, which is a continuation of the Mediterranean Meetings initiated by Pope Francis.
I participated for two weeks in the third stage of the MED25 project, continuing the Mediterranean Meetings initiated by Pope Francis (Bari 2020, Florence 2022, Marseille 2023, Tirana 2024). The Chemin Neuf Community is therefore a partner in this project, along with many dioceses and other organisations.
Two weeks sailing on the Bel Espoir (beautiful hope), relying on the wind and currents, between Malta and Crete in Greece. A beautiful and strong bond formed on these small boats. In addition to the ten crew members, there were two supervisors and 19 young people from different countries (Morocco, Bosnia, France, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Georgia, Palestine, Romania) and different backgrounds (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, atheist, etc.).
This small space with limited resources and a shared experience really opened up many doors for meeting people, understanding others, and working on major Mediterranean issues such as migration, climate, and the role of women. It was very interesting to get a first-hand look at the challenges and dynamics at play in the various structures and associations in different countries and how they interact.
As if it were a sign for our journey, it began in Malta at the time of the funeral of Pope Francis, who had inspired this Mediterranean project, and ended with the election of Pope Leo XIV, which we witnessed in an Orthodox country.
The Mass I celebrated on the boat in the middle of the Mediterranean for migrants, at a time when distress calls were being heard on the radio, was also very meaningful…
Another striking sign: a mass celebrated for peace at the opening of the conclave (which had almost been forgotten) and which proved to be prophetic of the new pope’s speech, which began with this essential point of peace given and to be built…
There are many other fioretti, such as an (almost) miraculous catch of fish, mistakes that open the way to providence… There is much to reread and explore! The Lord is good and does marvellous things.
I left with this verse:
Isaiah 43:16: ‘Thus says the Lord,Who makes a way through the sea, And a path through the mighty waters,’ And I believe that the Lord is fulfilling His promise!
