Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guadalajara (Fides Service) - “Young people, disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ” is the theme of the 9th National Missionary Youth Congress held every three years and organised by the Pontifical Mission Societies in Mexico in collaboration with the individual dioceses. The purpose is to intensify mission awareness among young Mexican Catholics to enable them to share the faith with others. The Youth Congress will be held in Guadalajara 26 to 29 July.
The organisers say the Congress aims to prepare young people to tackle the challenges of the new millennium with the help of Christ. Intensive missionary formation will help young Catholics to realise that they are called by Jesus to serve others, especially sharing with others the Good News of the Gospel. The Congress is expected to draw the participation of 12,000 young people from all over the country, as well as bishops, clergy and religious involved in missionary youth pastoral. The National Missionary Youth Congress theme was chosen in keeping with the theme of the 5th the General Conference of the Council of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences to be held in Aparecida Brazil in May which will be opened by Pope Benedict XVI on 13 May.
Auxiliary Bishop José Trinidad González Rodríguez of Guadalajara says local young people are preparing for the event with enthusiasm. He said the diocese was grateful to host the event: “faith is strengthened when it is given to others and Guadalajara needs to grow in the faith. The best present to give any person is to tell them about Jesus Christ. And CONAJUM aims to help young people know and love Christ better and pass on this knowledge and love to others". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/3/2007; righe 22, parole 303)
