AMERICA/BRAZIL - At the start of their general assembly on the theme of evangelisation of youth Brazilian Bishops ask “will we succeed in handing on the deposit of faith to the new generations?”

Tuesday, 9 May 2006

AFGHANISTAN

2024-04-22
Commemoration of the victims of the Easter attacks: Catholic Church wants to initiate the beatification process of their martyrdom

2024-02-07
Manipur, torn by conflict, tries to reconnect the threads of dialogue

2023-12-04
The Franciscan Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Jinan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue walking on the paths opened by the Second Vatican Council

2023-10-16
Prayer for the reconciliation of the peoples of Israel and Palestine

2022-02-24
Integrating refugees into society: the commitment of the Pro Bambini Association of Kabul

2021-12-18
The Barnabites, with their hearts in Kabul: "Pray for Afghanistan"

Itaici (Fides Service) - Evangelisation of youth is the theme of the 44th general assembly of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference 9 - 17 May. The Bishops consider the theme of utmost importance because the handing on of the faith is also at the centre of the attention of the Church. Since the Bishops’ concern for the evangelisation of youth in set in the broader context of the evangelising mission of the Church, a commission of bishops and experts has been working on the theme for some time.
In a statement issued at the beginning of the assembly the Bishops said “today’s historical, cultural and social context poses a series of new challenges and aspects for the evangelisation of youth not to be overlooked". Moreover evangelisation of youth in an urban culture cannot be considered in the same way as that in a rural environment. Analysing the present situation the Bishops saw that handing on of the faith and participation of young people in the life of the Church has changed compared to the past. Large numbers of young people have no contact with the Church, they do not attend catechism in preparation for Confirmation, they do not join parish groups or even go to Sunday Mass … “will we succeed in handing on the deposit of faith to these new generations?” the bishops ask themselves - “because if we fail we will risk interrupting the handing on of the faith inherited from the Apostles and handed down from one generation to the next ". The 44th general assembly will strive to respond to the needs of many young Brazilians who feel a deep longing in their hearts and “expect the bishops of the Church and all believers to lead them to a personal encounter with the One who is Way, Truth and Life”.
Other items on the assembly agenda include: election of delegates to take part in the 5th General Conference of CELAM in May 2007; 50th anniversary of Caritas Brazil; revision of guidelines on priestly formation; discuss socio-political situation and religious situation; issue statement in view of election year. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2006; righe 27, parole 362)