Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – On April 3-5, Rome hosted an “International Encounter for Youth Ministry Coordinators: Sydney 2008 to Madrid 2011” sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. It was attended by delegates from 70 countries all across the world and representatives from 34 Church movements and youth associations. The workshop presented an assessment of the WYD 2008 in Sydney and an itinerary for preparations for the upcoming WYD to be held in Madrid in 2011.
“Youth Ministry is not just an addition to the Church's routine pastoral care, but rather it is its center, at the heart of it all,” said Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in giving the Opening Address. “Youth Ministry is a pastoral work that cannot fall into routine or mediocrity. It demands constant conversion of heart and a continual quest to find new ways to preach Christ.” The WYDs have become catalysts in the youth commitment within the Church, carrying out a unique task of orientation, inspiration, and encouragement. Over the years, their has been a remarkable shift among youth worldwide, which reveals the emerging attitudes among the youth who are often not given attention in the media.”
One of the most impressive fruits of the WYD in Sydney has been the increase in vocations, in addition to the fact that it has changed the image of the Catholic Church in Australia, where even non-believers look upon her now with greater respect. This was the assessment made by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney. The Archbishop also warned of the dangers of being overly optimistic: “WYD is not magic. Preparations should be taken seriously and be placed at the service of evangelization.”
Bishop Anthony Fisher presented the initial results of a study conducted by the committee that organized WYD in Sydney, on the pastoral impact of WYD in Australia. In brief, the researchers found that: 7 out of every 10 participants considered their experience in Sydney as one of the best of their entire life; participants consider it of great importance to share their faith with other young people; the Vigil, the Via Crucis, and the Final Mass were considered the most important moments of the event. Thus, Bishop Fisher presented what are considered the most important fruits of Sydney: conversions, strengthening in the Christian and Catholic identity, renewal of Australia's dioceses, the positive impact on the community of Sydney and Australia. During the encounter, four experiences were presented from pastoral work in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In 2011, the 26th World Youth Day will be hosted by Spain, and the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio M. Rouco Varela, emphasized that Spain differs from Australia in that it is a country in which the Gospel has been preached since its very origins, and that is characterized by a great vitality of faith, where many movements and vocations have been born; and yet, it is a country – like all of those in Europe – in need of renewing its Christian roots. “We should once more preach the Gospel, do out part in the new evangelization, bringing Christ to those places where He is still not known,” Cardinal Rouco said. Other talks addressed the preparations to be made for the 26th WYD, based on the Magisterium of Pope Benedict XVI, and the situation of the youth ministry in Spain. The Committee in charge of planning the event in Madrid was presented and explained some of their initial tasks, especially that of helping youth from poorer nations to be able to participate.
The Secretary for the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Bishop Josef Clemens, presented the Message from Pope Benedict XVI to the Youth for the 24th WYD: “The Holy Father proposes that during these three years, the Christian youth take up an authentic path of formation in preparation for Madrid. And as is evident, there is a certain focus on the three theological virtues: hope, charity, and faith.”
Cardinal Rylko gave the final speech. “What we have experienced during these days has been similar to that of the cenacle on Pentecost: the experience of the young, missionary Church listening to the Holy Spirit. We have heard various testimonies and conferences, but the fundamental voice has been that of the Holy Spirit. What is the Holy Spirit saying at this time in the Church's history? He calls the Church to the ever-same mission of evangelization and evangelization of the younger generations. This is a priority for those of you who find yourselves at the heart of the Church's task of evangelization.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2009)
