Ministry for the youth is part and parcel of the Catholic Church. This ministry enables spiritual nourishment, social acceptance and development of the young minds. One of the attractive programs organized by the Campus Ministry Office of the Diocese of Rome is ‘Pilgrimage‘. This event had begun in 2002. The pilgrimage is considered as a welcome to the new students who have entered into different universities of Rome. This year, the pilgrimage was organized on 08th October to Orvieto. More than 1500 students from different universities of Rome had participated in the Pilgrimage.
The day began with a welcome note by BishopBenedetto Tuzia, the Bishop of the Orvieto-Todi at the Cathedral of Orvieto. Prof. C Bellanca and Prof. P.J.P Hernandez SJ enlightened the youngsters on the theme: ‘Art of the communication of faith’. Hundreds of youngsters took the opportunity to confess during the event. At 12.00 pm, solemn Holy Eucharist was celebrated with the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rome; Bishop LorenzoLeuzzi. Later there were concerts performed by different University associations, walking pilgrimage to different Churches in Orvieto and silent Adoration. At 16.00 began the common adoration and the day concluded with the Solemn Eucharistic Procession at 18.00.
Depending upon the locality, the Church has adopted different types of ministries aiming the young minds. These ministries are aiming to bring up the youngsters to be with the Lord and be a good citizen in the society. The association of the Kalyan Eparchy Youth (KEY) has for more than two decades been the facilitator of the growth of young minds and promoted their talents. Their thirst for the spiritual growth is seen through KEY ARMY and Spiritual pilgrimages. An overall personality development is brought about by qualitative talents shows, taking an active role in the social activities, and organizing creative events (camps organized for the Catechism students). These are some of the ways of how the youth are responding to the efforts taken by the Church. Surely the Church is overwhelmed to see how the members of KEY are being active and taken up the task of keeping the faith and living it. Proud of you, dear youngsters because you are keeping the faith but making a difference in the life of many.