Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Los Teques (Agenzia Fides) – Young people from across the Americas and the Caribbean came together last month for the third Latin American Congress of Youth, this time in Los Teques, near Caracas, Venezuela (see Fides 02/09/2010). In the final document, which was received by Fides, the participants expressed their great experience of sharing with other young people in the commitment to be missionary disciples on a continent full of resources and also full of challenges.
Motivated by the slogan chosen for this Congress - "Walking with Jesus to give life to our people" - the various members of youth groups and youth ministry in different countries have adopted an attitude of prayer, listening, and fraternity to reflect on the renewed commitment to build the new civilization of love on the American continent.
“We firmly believe that young people, as a dynamic force on the continent, with its diversity of cultures, are called to defend their authenticity and identity to combat the signs of death that afflict our people,” reads the document, which continues: “Let us raise our voices against social inequality, violence, the high murder rate among young people, discrimination, drugs, and migration. We realize the family breakdown which, along with the apathy of the government, worsen these issues.” “We believe that our young people are called to defend God's creation, taking on our mission of missionary disciples. Jesus encourages us to transform our reality as agents of change and active participants in the political, economic, social, and ecclesial areas, with a critical mind." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/01/2010)
