EUROPE/ITALY - 5th edition of Mediterranean Youth Agora on the 7th Beatitude in the Gospel of Matthew “Blessed are the Merciful for they will receive mercy"

Loreto (Agenzia Fides) - The 5th edition of Mediterranean Youth Agora organised jointly by the Italian Bishops’ national youth pastoral service and the national Office for cooperation among Churches, taking place in Loreto, Italy with the participation of young people many different Mediterranean countries will close tomorrow. The theme of the meeting, 4-9 September is the 7th Beatitude in the Gospel of Matthew “Blessed are the Merciful for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5,7). Italian youth are represented by a delegation of the Missionary Youth Movement of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Italy. The event is an opportunity for the young people to reflect together and dialogue with young people of different confessions and religions. The programme includes interventions by Italian NGO Comunità di Capodarco which promotes a culture of Solidarity and the ecumenical Taizé Community which will lead the closing prayer. The Agora aims to help young people in Mediterranean countries share information and experience and promote mutual support among the Churches in the different countries. The Agorà also aims to foster reflection on the importance of the Christian roots of the European Union and the latter’s role in the Mediterranean. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2006 - righe 17; parole 237)