Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
AVONA
Manama (Agenzia Fides) - "Participating in the global meeting of young people from all over the world and meeting Pope Francis has strengthened my faith in the power of prayer, dialogue, connection and the search for inspiration for a positive change in the Church for our youth". Neil Andrews, member of the "Jesus Youth" youth group, chosen by the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA) to represent Bahrain at the International Pastoral Congress together with the other delegates from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, tells Fides about his experience at the event that recently ended in Rome.
"It was a very important event for the young people of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia and we are grateful to our Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Aldo Berardi (O.SS.T), who granted us this privilege. We had the opportunity to get to know each other, share, build a network of contacts and have some completely unexpected encounters that have left an impact on all of us that will surely last for a long time to come," he stresses.
"Participating in such an important event has strengthened my faith and encouraged me to carry what I have learned forward with renewed determination and dedication," Neil concludes.
"This meeting has helped me to see and realize that my greatest love is Jesus Christ. I am deeply grateful to have been able to be a part of it," added Geddah Grace Ranoco, delegate from Qatar.
The Jesus Youth Bahrain group was officially launched on March 9, 2009 through a program called “The SonRise” and has become the official youth movement of the Sacred Heart Church in Manama.
The meeting in Rome "For a synodal youth ministry: new leadership styles and strategies" organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life was attended by about 300 delegates from more than 110 countries and 40 associations, movements and international communities. It was a key moment on the fifth anniversary of the publication of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation "Christus vivit", which is directly linked to the preparation for the next World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 10/6/2024)
