Research the life of the youth
In line with the pastoral development of our continent, taking into account the rich history of the regions, and in communion with the conclusions of the V General Conference of Bishops at Aparecida, the Latin-American Team for Youth Ministry convoked the XVI Latin-American Meeting of National Leaders of Youth Ministry, held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, from 25 to 31 October 2009. The presence of Cuba is to be noted.
The objective was to research the life of the youth starting from the reports of the countries and regions, in order to work out the challenges on the continental level, susceptible of giving new life to Youth Ministry in the light of the disciples of Emmaus, as a way of preparing for the Third Latin-American Congress.
The encounter began in a climate of work and joy. The goal was not just the Meeting of the Leaders, but it was also to provide further time for reflection in view of the III Latin-American Youth Congress which will take place in Venezuela in September 2010. These two activities were included in the Project of Revitalising the Latin-American Youth Ministry, since we consider them as a time when the Spirit is accompanying us to carry out his work.
Twenty-two countries from Latin America and the Caribbean were represented, with the aim of:
1. Synthesizing and systematising the contributions from the national and regional Commissions on the particular aspects of the life of youth, in order that they might constitute the basis of the working document of the III Congress.
2. Acting in such a way that the Meeting might become a space of communion with Christ.
3. Recognizing the attitudes of Jesus and of the disciples of Emmaus, in the light of the biblical text itself and of Aparecida, so that they might impregnate our life style and our pastoral work.
4. Officially launching the Hymn, the prayer and the notice of the III Latin-American Youth Congress.
We thank the Lord of Life and History for being able to accompany the journey of the young people of Latin America and the Caribbean, in order to attempt together the construction of the Civilisation of Love.
Animator, risk your life for youth!
Youth, risk your life for Jesus!
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Br. Héctor Ávalos Gil