AMERICA/PERU - 26th edition of Youth Easter Mission offers young people an opportunity to live Easter in a spirit of mission: “it is not enough to be Christ’s disciples we must be his missionaries”

Lima (Fides Service) - To increase missionary awareness and spirit among young Peruvian Catholics the national Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies PMS and its Youth Without Frontiers Movement JSF, is organising the 26th edition of Youth Easter Mission, in Lima, 5 - 7 April Fides was informed by JSF national director. This annual initiative involves an average of 500 young people aged 12 to 29.
This year’s overall theme for the three day event "it is not enough to be Christ’s disciples we must be his missionaries”, was chosen in keeping with the 5th CELAM General Conference in Aparecida, Brazil in May this year and in view of the CAM 3, third American Mission Congress in Quito, Ecuador in 2008. Daily themes for reflection are the following: Holy Thursday "Jesus I wish to serve make me your disciple"; Good Friday "I am your disciple… at the foot of your Cross!”; Holy Saturday “Here I am Lord, ready to be your missionary".
The organisers say the purpose of the Easter Youth Mission is to promote a personal encounter with Christ and also sharing of experience and reflection on how young people can be missionaries in their own situations. Another important aspect for reflection is the situation in other continents in the light of the great needs in mission territories. Easter Youth Mission is prepared three months before with meetings for members and animators. Easter Youth Mission celebrated every year since 1981, aims the encourage young people to live Holy Week and Easter in a spirit of mission with joy, reflection and resolve. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2007; righe 23, parole 311)