The 2010 meeting which brings together in Rotterdam thousands of young people from the Old Continent, is being held for the first time in Holland, in the birthplace of Erasmus, declared by the European Youth Forum “European youth capital” for 2009. The meeting gives those taking part the chance to have a practical experience of the Church, to contribute to the building of a future of peace, to open themselves to the beauty of communion with God; through prayer in common, dialogue and fraternal exchange of ideas, the young people can deepen the foundations of the faith and understand fully the responsibility entrusted to them to be witnesses and proclaimers of the Gospel wherever they are living.
Hospitality provided by local families, meeting with people of their own age engaged in the service of their neighbour, familiarity with the local Church all constitute an enrichment for their formation, creating links of friendship and fostering a greater awareness of the unity of the human family.
The days will be marked by times of prayer in common in the morning and in the evening, discussion groups on social questions and on spiritual topics and National or Regional meetings. The Prior of Taizé, Frčre Alois, will speak to the young people during the evening prayer; some of the afternoon “carrefours” will be led by Bishops.
On the night of 31 December there will be the traditional Prayer Vigil for Peace in the various parishes, followed by the “peoples’ festival,” with the exchange of New Year greetings in all the languages represented at the Meeting, traditional music and dancing.
Published 28/12/2010
