Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Compostela (Agenzia Fides) – Preparations are underway in Spain for the 2nd European Franciscan Meeting for youth, which will be held in Santiago de Compostela, August 9-15, 2009. The center of the Meeting will be the visit to the tomb of the Apostle Saint James, where Saint Francis also went on pilgrimage in his day. The Meeting is open to European youth and organized by the Friars Minor (UFME), with the goal of rediscovering the Franciscan roots on the continent and bearing witness to the joy of having met Christ and Saint Francis. In the letter inviting the youth to participate, Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, Minister General of the Franciscan Friars Minor, told them to “live the faith with the same radicality as Saint Francis. The world today is in need of coherent Christians and I invite you to take part in the Euro Meeting 2009 and its preparations, which I am closely following with great interest, so that all the youth of Europe can share in the joy of being borthers and knowing Christ through your brotherhood.” It is a youth event that will seek to rediscover the cultural roots of Europe, through the Franciscan charism which is also very interesting in better knowing the Way of St. James (“Camino de Santiago de Compostela”), as part of these ancient and profound Christian roots. On August 9, participants will be greeted by Bishop Julian of Leon, who will welcome the youth who will go on the “Camino.” On August 15, the conclusion of the encounter will be led by Minister General Carballo, with a Mass celebrated in honor of the Assumption of Our Lady, in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. (DV) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2009)
