Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago (Fides Service) - Next year 27 March to 15 May 2005 Pentecost Sunday, young Catholics in Chile will take part in a Youth Mission to announce to their companions their experience of the living Jesus Christ. The idea of a Youth Mission emerged during the 25th national youth pastoral meeting in 2002 and the Bishops of Chile in a general assembly approved it in April this year, Ricardo Nadales in charge of the Mission told Fides. The idea of a Youth Mission 2005 came from the fact that it is the year of the 20th World Youth Day, to be held this time in Cologne, Germany and 2005 is the last lap of the present pastoral guidelines issued by the Chilean Bishops. The purpose of the Youth Mission is to announce Christ to all young people especially those who are furthest away.
The Youth Mission will have three stages: preparation, mission and post-mission. Preparation, started with the first Youth Pastoral on October 8-11, will be followed by a time of formation from November to February and a stage of intense spiritual preparation during a retreat in Lent. The mission will start on 26 March during the Easter Vigil when the missionaries will be sent to evangelise their peers in schools, universities, sports centres, recreation places, rehabilitation centres and at home.
Youth delegates and representatives from dioceses and movements attended the first Youth pastoral meeting 8-11 October organised by the national youth pastoral commission to reflect on the theme "Disciples of Jesus for a new Chile” to examine the present day situation of young people in the light of the faith and to identify basic options and new challenges.
In a final message the young participants appealed the Chilean families to live in communion and to promote the value of brotherhood. They called on public opinion to recognise the “many young people dedicated to the service of others with creativity, joy and enthusiasm”. Catholic youth pastoral is committed to promoting a process of youth formation from a Christian point of view and to deepen their experience of communion as means of encountering Jesus and help young people make coherent choices in life. In their message the young missionaries confirm their commitment to “go in search of all young people in their different situations, having the marvellous chance of announcing the living Jesus Christ from our experience and sharing our testimony”. (RG)
(Agenzia Fides 19/10/2004 - Righe 31; Parole 431)
