Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ayaviri (Agenzia Fides) – With a large gathering of youth entitled “Riqch´Ariy Wayna,” “Youth, get up!,” the Prelature of Ayaviri held another one of its important activities during this jubilee year, on the occasion of the Prelature’s Golden Anniversary (50 years) (see Fides 28/4/2008). This was what Fides was told by Bishop Kay Martin Schmalhausen SCV of the Prelature of Ayaviri.
The 50th anniversary of the Prelature has been the cause for a series of celebrations that are giving new life to the Church in the Peruvian Andes. This past July, there was a Mass celebrated in the city square of Ayaviri, attended by 11 Bishops, nearly 50 priests, and over 3,000 faithful, to give thanks to God for the years of this Prelature’s existence. In the month of August, there was an encounter for families, attended by nearly 1,000 people in the city of Macusani, which included a Mass where 17 couples received the Sacrament of Marriage.
The most recent event was for young people and took place this past weekend in Ayaviri, attended by over a thousand youth. Bishop Kay Martin encouraged those present to “be a living and active member of the Church, the house and family of God.” The Bishops told the youth that each one “has a special place designed by God in this family which is the Church. You are all called to be disciples and missionaries of Christ, of His Church...disciples who at Our Lord’s feet, mature in love and friendship with Him; missionaries willing to go all over the world to preach the Gospel, especially the youth, to conquer their hearts for the Lord.” Bishop Kay Marin ended his address by telling the youth to open their hearts to the gift of the vocation. “If Jesus calls you to follow Him in the religious life or the priesthood, do not be afraid to tell Him, with generosity, ‘Yes, here I am Lord.’ The Lord continues to speak to the hearts of the youth today, asking them to commit their lives without fear and follow Him more closely.” The encounter, which lasted an entire morning, also featured various musical groups, a evangelizational theatrical performance, group dynamics, games, and other activities. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/9/2008)
