“Dear young Catholics, even if you are a minority in your countries, don’t lose heart!”. This are the first words of the message (click here) that the Presidents of the Bishops Conferences of South-Eastern Europe, who met from 3rd to 6th March in Nicosia, Cyprus, sent to the young Catholics of their countries. “You are not the only ones – the bishops write – who believe and hope in Christ. A huge sea of young people hope in Christ, love Christ and confide in Christ”. In Nicosia, the bishops spoke of youth pastoral work in the run-up to the World Youth Day (Madrid, 16-21 August) and looked in particular into the special situation in which young people are living in South-Eastern Europe. “We are aware – they write in their message – of your problems. Problems from broken families, problems finding a permanent job, problems resulting from the «eclipse of the meaning of God» in the society in which you are called to live”. “Despite these problems, we trust you immensely”. The bishops entrust these young people with an important mission: “You are called to accomplish what the earlier generation sometimes failed to do: fraternal dialogue with your peers, even those of different religions or Christian confessions; cooperation for justice and peace”.

© www.agensir.it march 6th 2011