Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - "World Youth Day is a great experience of encounter that helps many young people to revitalize their faith", said the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mexico, Héctor Pérez Villareal, on the occasion of the departure of the young Mexicans who will take part in the event in Lisbon. In an interview with Fides, the prelate, who is also responsible for Youth Vocation Ministry, stressed the importance of involving young people in these meetings "which bring them closer to Christ and help them to discern their vocational journey".
"We cannot yet officially estimate the number of participants in the WYD which will be held from August 1 to 6 - comments Villareal - but we believe that it could be around 30,000. Of the ninety dioceses in Mexico, between 200 and 500 young people per diocese are registered, either as part of the diocesan youth ministry or as individual groups". With regard to the Archdiocese of Mexico City, the auxiliary confirmed the registration of 89 young people from the youth ministry, as well as many other young people who have registered as individuals or within the framework of youth groups, movements and congregations.
The group will leave with the dioceses of Azcapotzalco, Iztapalapa and young people who have joined individually in the dioceses of Ecatepec, San Luis Potosí, Chihuahua, Texcoco and Xochimilco. "As a province of Mexico City, 190 young people are leaving this Monday, July 24", said Villareal. The Prelate recalled that as WYD approaches, from December last year until Sunday, July 9 when the sending out Mass was celebrated, the young people gathered in 8 formation, animation and prayer meetings. "As a bishop, I took part in the various stages of accompaniment and formation of the group organized by the Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Mexico City. On the other hand, the Episcopal Vicar of Pastoral Care, Father Alvaro Lozano Plattonof, will leave with them". Most participants will return on August 12. "The itinerary includes passing through Fatima for the blessing and then the arrival in the diocese of Algarve where they will be welcomed before continuing to Lisbon on August 1 and ending August 9-11 in Rome". As part of the formation and continuation of WYD, Villareal indicated that "on the return from these WYD, the Youth Vocation Ministry has planned two meetings during which young people will be able to express their vocational and missionary reflections inspired by the event". (PM/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 24/7/2023)
