The Vatican presented concrete evidence that the October 2018 Synod on Youth is still continuing, through the International Youth Forum. The four-day event, organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life will take place in Rome with nearly 250 youth from 109 countries.
FR. ALEXANDRE AWI MELLO
Secretary, Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
“The Synod on youth is in its implementation phase, as has been said; and we have to do a lot more. The bishops, the episcopal conferences, and then young people, as protagonists. In order to help young people on their journey and to continue the journey, this forum was designed. ”
FR. JOAO CHAGAS
Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
“Cardinal Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery, sent a letter to invite the episcopal conferences around the world. Then, every episcopal conference could send two young people. There was an age range, and also criteria for young people to understand how to pass this experience on to others.”
A main point of the encounter is to share different experiences and how the synod is being lived out in each respective country. Personal takeaways of the synod will be shared, along with how Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, “Christus Vivit” is being implemented.
MICHELE BORGHI
Delegate, Communion and Liberation Movement Italy
“I believe that in these years, maybe there are no results now, but that seems normal. What I have seen though is truly the intention and desire start a journey. Maybe this is not seen externally, but it exists.”
ISABELLA MCCAFFERTY
Youth representative, New Zealand
“The fact that there are these other meetings that are happening before and after the synod says to me as a young person, that the Church wants to hear what we have to say, and wants to create space for us. I've really experienced that. Being able to, to think on a national scale back home in New Zealand, but then also being able to have those conversations with young people from around the world, be given that opportunity, by the global Church here in Rome.”
The meeting will conclude on Saturday, with a encounter with Pope Francis. It is one more way the pope, the bishops and the youth are continuing to live out the synod nine months after its conclusion.
