Everything began with pain.
Such a pain that it spread in waves and led to other pains.
After months of intense efforts, it bloomed and started bearing fruit after two years. Colorful, delicious fruits like no other… They not only delighted those who ate them but also piqued the curiosity of those who smelled their fragrance. So much so that one day, in an unexpected moment, that tremendous pain gave birth to a completely different kind of pain and found a place in young hearts.
I am talking about the most beautiful fruit of the hearts that suffered for youth, the Young Çağlayan. Our magazine that reaches out to young people saying, “We’re just a handful of young people, please be our guests.” Our magazine that makes you say, “Thank goodness someone endured the pain of this endeavor! Thank goodness they didn’t give up and embraced the pain!”
I have attended many spiritual retreat gatherings for 20 years; in my childhood, youth, during my professional life, and after the age of 35. But none of them had as much impact on me as the gathering with the sisters from Groningen. The sparkle in the eyes of the young people was like stars hanging in the sky. Their excitement was like the herald of spring.
I won’t recount every memory, but I wanted to ensure that these days are recorded in history through these words.
The Young Çağlayan showed us how hope can sprout and multiply. It showed how something that started with a pain one night, was kneaded with tears, and transcended the dimension of suffering from problems could establish a throne in hearts. It showed what it means to be eagerly awaited at six different addresses in six months. We witnessed the excitement of an eight-year-old child and those in the first step of their youth saying, “There are people who listen to us and respect our ideas!”
The first issue of our magazine was the beginning of the flow of words and ideas. When we took our first steps, we were at the beginning of a path filled with uncertainty, but this path ignited our desire to discover truths. Over the course of three years, the articles, poems, and pictures on our website showed how right it was for us to embark on this journey.
Our efforts have left lasting impressions in the hearts. Each essay formed a deep connection with our readers, which gave us strength.
While our magazine still preserves the innocence of its early days, it also carries the marks of maturity and deepening. One thing remains unchanged: Truth, the unique artistry of our Lord in the universe…
Three years is a short time in the life of a magazine. We are on this journey together with you.
May God speed you on your way, the Young Çağlayan! There are thousands of young people thirsty for you.
Greetings to the hearts that endured pain for your birth!
Greetings to those who made young hearts overflow with joy!
