Includes Delegates from Cambodia, Belize, Ghana, and Macedonia
ROME, AUGUST 13 (ZENIT.org).- The 7th International Youth Forum is currently being held in Rome, in preparation for World Youth Day. The Forum was organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and is entitled:"To All I Say: Let us Follow in Christ's Footsteps!"
The participants in the Forum are delegates of the Episcopal Conferences, including countries as different as Burkina Faso and Cuba, Jordan and Vietnam; and movements, associations, communities, and groups of international dimensions. The number of participants totals 300. In addition, there are some 30 guests, who work in the area of youth pastoral care in different countries; they are attending the Forum as "observers."
The opening ceremony was held on Saturday. 250 youths handed their contemporaries World Youth Day cross, which was carried in pilgrimage on foot from Mantua to Rome. "The cross in which we believe is not a sign of death or despair, but of life, hope, and joy." So, after 15 years, the youth cross has returned to Rome, where the first World Youth Day in history was held. The cross went around the world, visiting virtually every country.
During his address yesterday, Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, said that this cross brings with it "prayer and the commitment of millions of youths who have seen in it the simple and sacred sign of God's love for humanity."
The Forum is not a congress, parliament, or a study seminar, but a faith experience. Born as a result of the 1987 World Youth Day in Buenos Aires, the average age of participants in the International Youth Forum is 23-24 years.
Yesterday afternoon, the working groups discussed the challenges posed by faith in today's world. At the end of the meeting, a message will be published addressed to the world's youth, which will be read during the World Youth Day in the Holy Father's presence.
This morning's speakers included Ernesto Olivero, founder of the Turin Youth Missionary Service; and Fr. Jesus Castellano, president of the Teresianum Pontifical Institute of Spirituality. They were followed by several youths who gave testimonies on the possibility of being a Christian in frequently adverse circumstances.
In statements to Vatican Radio, Cardinal Stafford explained that the Youth Forum is of decisive importance for him and the Pontifical Council he directs, as it gives him the opportunity to "listen" to youth, and hear "their ideals, hopes, temptations." Moreover, it allows for the creation of "a sense of community among youths," a community of Christians that embraces all continents.
Among the novelties this year, it is important to point out the presence of young delegates from countries that to date (for different political or economic reasons) were unable to participate, such as Cambodia, Belize, Ghana, and Macedonia.
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome