Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - “Walking with Jesus, accompanying our people” is the theme of the 16th Encounter for National Youth Ministry Leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean, taking place October 25-30 in Vinto, Cochabamba (Bolivia), which has brought together 130 representatives from 20 countries across the continent. As Agenzia Fides was informed by the official statement from the Encounter, the aim of the gathering is to “reinforce youth ministry on the continent, deepening in their knowledge of the life of the youth, so as to encourage them in their missionary discipleship, which is also a source of life for our peoples.”
The initiative is also “an important step towards the upcoming III Latin American Congress for Youth,” scheduled to take place next year in Los Teques (Venezuela). The Encounter now underway in Cochabamba will be attended by Bishops, counselors, and youth delegates from all the countries of the continent. “The environment of faith, enthusiasm, and brotherhood will give a testimony of ecclesial communion and service to the needy of our continent, in harmony with the reflections from the 5th General Conference of Bishops in Aparecida and in the context of this Continental Mission.” According to Bishop Mariano Jose Parra, Head of the Youth Section of CELAM (Latin American Bishops' Council), the final goal is “to have the Latin American youth assume the vocation God is calling them to, that is, to be disciples and missionaries, evangelizers of the youth.” (GT) (Agenzia Fides 27/10/2009)