Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - The Church in Venezuela will celebrate the 2nd National Youth Day on 13 February, David Miguel Gonzalez, executive director of department for youth and university pastoral of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference told Fides. The theme of the national day is the same as the next World Youth Day to be held in Germany in August “We have come to adore Him", since the national event will also serve as preparation for young Venezuelans who intend to take part in the universal event in Cologne this Summer.
The purpose of National Youth Day is to thank God for the gift of young people and to encourage young people to offer their life for evangelisation and to help their peers grow in faith. It is also an opportunity for the faithful to join in a special collection in support of youth pastoral all over the country. It gives young participants an opportunity to meet others and share expectations and aspirations for the future especially with regard to the faith .
The aim of the Day is to increase awareness of the importance of youth groups which should exist in every parish and university and to collect funds to support youth pastoral programmes.
The day has three parts. Part one is a Day of Evangelisation on Saturday 12, during which the young people come together for prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament and them go out into the streets and squares to proclaim the Good News to other young people. Part two is Sunday 13, a day of encounter, and part three is a special Collection in parishes of which 60% goes to youth pastoral in the respective diocese.
National Youth Days started on 31 July 2003, during the 4th session of the Plenary Council of Venezuela which agreed that the Sunday following 12 February “National Youth Day in Venezuela”.
(RG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/02/2005 - 24 righe, 249 parole)
