Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Department of Youth and University Pastoral Ministry of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference has sent Fides their most recent news item on the III Latin American Youth Conference, which will take place September 5-12 in the city of Los Teques, in the central-northern area of Venezuela. This great event, organized by the Commission for Youth Pastoral Ministry of CELAM, has the theme: “Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ Today for the Life of Our Peoples” and the slogan is: “Let us walk with Jesus to give Life to our peoples.”
Taking into account the guidelines on the "Civilization of Love - Mission and Hope,” the reflections that have emerged in recent Latin American and Regional Meeting of Youth Ministry, the Second Latin American Youth Congress (held in Punta de Tralca, 1998), in light of the Document of Aparecida and challenges present in the various realities of the continent, the Latin American Youth Ministry is proposing for this III Youth Congress, the following objective: "to revive the path of youth ministry starting with the very lives of young people, from the personal and community encounter with Jesus Christ and His plan, in order to become a missionary disciple as a lifestyle, leading the way towards the transformation of our peoples."
The Congress expects to see around 800 young people from all countries of Latin America. There are also young people who have registered to attend from the United States, Canada, and the Antilles. There will also be a representation from Europe, from CELAM, and guests from various ecumenical youth ministries.
The previous Latin American Youth Congress have taken place in: in Cochabamba (Bolivia), from 28 December 1991-5 January 1992; in Punta de Tralca, Chile, 3 to 11 October 1998. Yesterday, September 1, during the General Audience held in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI offered words of encouragement to all participants in this III Congress. The Pope called on young people “to be committed to causes that dignify man and make peoples great...The Pope is by your side and reiterates his confidence in you.”
The Department of Youth Ministry and Campus Ministry of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference has also created a website in order to follow this event and where you can find a large number of testimonies from children themselves. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 02/09/2010)
