ASIA - Youth Ministry in Asia: on the road like the disciples of Emmaus

Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – Youth Ministry in Asian nations continue to more clearly mark-out their fundamental guidelines, especially thanks to the reflection, study, initiatives, and intense activity of the the Youth Ministry Office of the Federation of Asian Bishop Conferences (FABC). The Office is the overseer and organizer of the Asian Youth Day, which has been widely attended in past years and that will be taking place this year on November 20-27 in the Philippines, bringing together youth from all over the continent and hoping to offer an experience similar to that of WYD.
The Office recently published a text entitled: “Youth Ministry in Asia: Reliving the Emmaus Story,” which presents the Gospel passage of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35) as the fundamental model for the spirit and organization of Youth Ministry in the Asian dioceses: it is Christ who walks alongside the youth and should be presented to them as the “companion along the way” that “makes their hearts burn,” “unveils the Scriptures,” and “breaks the bread with them and for them.”
The text, which will be a reference source for the Youth Ministry Offices of the various Bishops' Conferences in Asia, is divided into two parts: first, an analysis of the current situation of Youth Ministry in Asia; secondly, experiences from various parts of Asia with examples, comments, and explanations.
With this publication, the FABC Office is celebrating its 10th anniversary within the Office for Family and Laity. The head of the Youth Ministry Office is currently Jessica Joy Candelario, who commented: “I hope that the text can respond to the dreams and demands of the Church in Asia, for the good of all the youth who are in need of a light and a guide.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/04/2009)