|
ROME LAUNCHES
GREATEST YOUTH CATECHESIS EVER
Over 300 Bishops Respond to Young
People's Questions
VATICAN CITY, AUGUST 16 (ZENIT.org).-
Following Pope John Paul II's official opening of World Youth Day
which was attended by 700,000 youth, a series of catechises began
this morning and will continue until Friday. Groups of young
pilgrims gathering for the catecheses are spread throughout Rome.
To accommodate the young people, more
than 300 bishops from around the world are in Rome to participate in
the catechesis groups that are scattered through Rome in venues that
include 300 public squares, churches, and tennis courts.
The topic for the first day of
reflection was: "Emmanuel: God With Us." Cardinal Camillo
Ruini, Vicar of Rome, presided over the catechesis at St. John
Lateran. He referred to significant passages of the Old Testament,
which announced the promise of Jesus' coming, and focused on New
Testament writings of John and Paul, which illustrate profoundly the
fulfilment of the divine promise.
Cardinal Ruini concluded with these words: "We often ask
ourselves: 'What is my destiny? What is our destiny? What awaits
us?' The Lord answers this question, which is the most important
question of our life, on which all other questions depend, the one
that deep down concerns every woman, man, youth, and elderly
person... Well, God's answer is this: 'Your destiny is eternal
communion with me.' Hence, in the word 'Emmanuel,' which means 'God
with us,' we find the meaning, significance, and also the greatness
of the gift of being Christians. This is the reason why we must live
our Christianity and witness our faith. This is the meaning of the
Great Holy Year 2000, this is the meaning of World Youth Day."
Back
|
