ASIA/HOLY LAND - Message from Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: "Look with hope to the New Man, to the future, because you young people are the hope for a future of justice and peace!"

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Authentic peace is not only the fruit of our own efforts. It is a gift of God, fruit of faith in God. Thus, the unique importance of the International Day of Intercession for Peace to come together and fix our gaze on Jesus Christ! You young people offer a witness and service to all humanity ... Do not be afraid! Look with hope to the New Man, to the future, because you young people are the hope for a future of justice and peace." These are the words of the message from the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Bishop Mario Toso, sent to the organizers and participants of the Second International Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land, to be held on January 31.
The text notes that "unfortunately, the world is marked by injustice and conflict, feelings of hatred and violence which disturb the existence of the human family and cannot leave anyone indifferent," because "we all - Christians above all - are called to be peacemakers. In fact, “this is the vocation of Christians." Although "the situation which the world is currently experiencing might seem an insurmountable mountain", young people are encouraged not to despair, but to have faith and to "persevere in prayer for peace."
The Second International Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land will be celebrated in 1,000 cities around the world, on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Adoration and Eucharistic celebrations around the world will mark the 24 hours of continuous prayer for peace in the Holy Land. The most important cities in the world, from Jerusalem to Rome, passing through Moscow, London, Paris, New York, Bethlehem and Gaza, but also many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America have all signed up for the initiative promoted by the 'Youth for Peace' promoted by the Youth for Life, which has its headquarters in Jerusalem, along with the Papaboys Association and the worldwide network of Eucharistic Adoration Chapels. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/01/2010)