Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service)- Celebrations for the Year of the Eucharist in our country have been marked by peace and national reconciliation and joy” said local Catholic priest Rev Salvatore Niciteretse, in Burundi, a country still recovering from a tragic civil war but determined to progress on the path of peace. “On the occasion of World Youth Day we had our own great national Youth Event from 8-15 August here in the capital, Bujumbura, ” said Fr Salvatore.
Thousands of Catholics many of them young people from all over the country took part in a week of Masses and Adoration and reflection on the same Youth Day theme chosen by Pope John Paul II “We have come to adore him”, and on sub-themes such as: “ Eucharist source of joy and peace” and “The Eucharist of peace and reconciliation”. The main Mass on 15 August was held at Mont Sion Shrine after a 7 km pilgrimage on foot from Bujumbura .
“The whole event was marked by peace and joy” the priest said. “The young people were joyful yet serious participants and are bound to bear fruit in the future. For the Church there are no ethnic differences, we are all brothers and sisters and this is apparent in these and other similar gatherings organised by the bishops”.
“At the end of the week we held a meeting with enthusiastic young delegates from the various dioceses to discuss the outcome of the event” the priest said. “We decided to make this an annual event for young Catholics, a Meeting on the Eucharist to be held in a different diocese every year on a theme related to the Eucharist. The next meeting will be held in Bujumbura and will focus on Eucharist and Peace”.
“Besides the national event, dioceses will hold their own smaller youth meetings on the Eucharist. The Church in Burundi sees this as new way to involve young people in the life of the local Churches. So that our young people resist easy illusions and the lure of pseudo religious sects we must help them recognise and live the Eucharist as the source of spiritual strength and joy” the priest concluded.
The Eucharist will also be the focus of a meeting of members and leaders of Catholic movements and associations in Bujumbura 28 to 30 October. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2005 righe 36 parole 427)
