Since the early years of the pontificate of John Paul II, gatherings of young people have taken place. Perhaps the most well known of these encounters is known as World Youth Days, a period of five days each two to three years when youth aged 18 to 35 years old are invited to gather in a designated place somewhere in the world. These international gatherings are actually chapter 2 in the story.
Chapter 1, the original meetings proposed by the Holy Father, are annual events meant to gather the youth of a particular diocese. John Paul began by inviting the youth of the Diocese of Rome (since the Pope is the Bishop of Rome) to a gathering which was held in St. Peter's Square. These annual gatherings are encouraged also in all dioceses throughout the world.
Pope Benedict XVI has continued the tradition of these annual gatherings which happen on Palm Sunday - this coming weekend, but this year he has asked for a slightly different twist to be added. According to an article published today by ZENIT, the Holy Father has expressed a desire for this traditional meeting with youth, which 'is a sort of party,' to be transformed into 'a real celebration, not only an external' one.
Today in Rome, the Holy Father is hosting a penitential liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica, in preparation for this weekend's celebration of World Youth Day. More than 20,000 young people have signed up for this event, a testament to the fact that at least in Rome.
Through this liturgy, the organizers hope to facilitate a meeting between the participants and God who is love. The Father's divine love is experienced perhaps most poignantly in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so what better way to invite youth to discover the tender mercy of the Lord!
In a world where fewer and fewer people find relevance in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, perhaps this gathering will enflame the youth of Rome to discover the tender heart of the loving God who reaches out to all of us, offering us the gift of his forgiveness.
1 comment:
The sacrament of reconciliation is the way to internal peace, love and joy. All God asks is for us to feel truly sorry and turn towards Him. He forgives so readily. There is nothing greater than to feel the hug given by God.
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