VATICAN, Aug. 17 (CWNews.com) - Young people who suffer from mental disabilities have enjoyed their own catechetical talks during World Youth Day, in a special series arranged on August 16- 18.
Members of l'Arche community, which specializes in the care of the handicapped, have hosted the events, held in the Paul VI Auditorium, the site of many papal audiences. The program has been supervised by Bishop Gerard Daucourt of Orleans, along with Jean Vannier, the founder of l'Arche.
"I won't be doing much talking myself," said Bishop Daucourt. "It is these young people who will be doing the catechesis." He explained that he would ask the youngsters to speak about their own lives, their faith, and their reliance on the sacraments.
"In the Eucharist, it is Christ who gives himself," the bishop continued. "We do not receive him by virtue of our intelligence. And it is the same thing with the sacrament of Confirmation, in which we receive the Holy Spirit. Everyone has that right."
About 2,000 young people have participated in the sessions, which combine talks with simple hymns and prayers.
Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update