Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mumbai (Agenzia Fides) – “JesusFest,” a festival of prayer, encounter, spirituality and song to celebrate the 25th anniversary of World Youth Day, will be held tomorrow, March 26, in Mumbai, organized by the local Church. Thanks to the efforts of those responsible for youth ministry in the diocese, thousands of young Catholics will attend the event which promises to be a day of celebration centered on the Word of the Gospel.
In memory of the first World Youth Day, celebrated by John Paul II in 1985, the theme of WYD 2010 and "JesusFest" will be "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). The youth involved will also carry out a “Via Crucis” procession through the city, reflecting on the mission and praying for peace and harmony in India.
The recent Assembly of the Bishops' Conference, which ended on March 3 in Guwahati (Northeast India) was dedicated to the theme of the youth. The Indian bishops have urged young people to “become protagonists in evangelization.” The Assembly stated that “youth ministry has become an integral part of the ministry of the Church,” and pledged to “foster and facilitate the spiritual growth of youth,” “encouraging their active participation in issues of social relevance.”
In other Indian dioceses, celebrations in honor of 25 years of World Youth Day are scheduled Sunday, March 28, on Palm Sunday, the day the world celebrates World Youth Day on a diocesan level. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/3/2010)
