«I wish to thank from the heart
the youth ministry teams from the movements and new communities that are accompanying the young people
in their experience
of being Church,
in such a creative and bold way!»
(Pope Francis, mass WYD2013)

Young people

From the beginning, evangelization of young people through young people, marks the preferential option of the Spirit for us, in the Work. We are protagonists of a new culture, and witnesses of the Life of the Gospel.

The Movement of the Word of God creates an atmosphere where young people can build up a lifestyle according to Christ's Gospel. Thus, while we are studying or working, we live as disciples, in our work or profession, in family or consecrated life.

We feel we are responding to the call of Vatican II:

«The most holy council earnestly entreats all the laity in the Lord to answer gladly, nobly, and promptly the more urgent invitation of Christ in this hour and the impulse of the Holy Spirit. Younger persons should feel that this call has been directed to them especially and they should respond to it eagerly and generously. The Lord renews His invitation to all the laity to come closer to Him every day, recognizing that what is His is also their own, to associate themselves with Him in His saving mission» (Apostolicam Actuositatem 33).

In the Movement, from the beginning we tried «to present young people with the living Christ, as the only Savior, so that being evangelized, they evangelize in time and contribute with a loving response to Christ, to the integral liberation of man and society, leading a life of communion and participation» (DP 1166). As the Pope says, the decision to believe in Jesus Christ and to follow him is not an easy one. «It is hindered by our personal failures and by the many voices that point us towards easier paths. Do not be discouraged. Rather, look for the support of the Christian community, the support of the Church. Dear young people, the Church depends on you! She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope. Your presence renews, rejuvenates and gives new energy to the Church».

 World Youth Day 

It is the largest youth event in the world, and a providential instrument at the service of the Church's missionary efforts in the evangelization of youth. The last was in Rio de Janeiro (23 to 28 July 2013). The next will be in Krakow (2016).

It brought together young people from around the world to renew their faith and build bridges of friendship and hope between continents, peoples and cultures. «Dear friends, once again I invite you to attend World Youth Day. I await each of you with great joy. Jesus Christ wishes to make you firm in faith through the Church. Throughout this year, carefully prepare for the meeting with the bishops, priests and youth leaders in your dioceses, parish communities, associations and movements. The quality of our meeting will depend above all on our spiritual preparation, our prayer, our common hearing of the Word of God and our mutual support. World Youth Days are a grace, not only for you, but for the entire People of God» (cf. Message of Benedict XVI).

See also:

• El uno para el otro? Pastoral de novios , Ruben & Esperanza, Cristo Vive Aleluia! 105, page 6 (december 1996).
• Juventud y experiencia religiosa, Doc. al Sinodo de Quilmes, Cristo Vive Aleluia! 34, page 19 (october 1982).
• Jornada Mundial de la Juventud: Es posible construir la civilizacion del amor?, Mirtha L. Rigoni, Cristo Vive Aleluia! 56, page 24 (april 1987).
• Pontifical Council for the Laity, Youth section.
• Message of Benedict XVI to the young people for the WYD 2009 (march 2009).
• Message of Benedict XVI to the young people for the WYD 2010 (march 2010).
• Message of Benedict XVI to the young people for the WYD 2011 (august 2011).