Pope: next Youth Days to focus on the Beatitudes and Mary

"The three themes announced above are intended to give a clear Marian tone to the spiritual journey of the next three WYDs. At the same time they give a picture of young people on a journey between the past (2017), present (2018) and future (2019), inspired by the three theological virtues of faith, charity and hope".

 

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The themes chosen by the Pope for the next three years World Youth Days will focus on the Beatitudes. They are: "The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Lk 1:49) for the 2017, "“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” (Lk 1:30)

" (Lk 1:30) for 2018 and "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word "(Lk 1:38) for the 35th International Day in 2019 that will be held in Panama.

A statement of the dicastery for the laity, family and life published a statement today that said “the spiritual path indicated by the Holy Father continues the reflection that started with the last three WYDs (2014-16) when the themes were focused on the Beatitudes. As we know, Mary is the one that all generations call blessed (cf. Lk 1:49). In Pope Francis’ prepared address for the meeting with WYD volunteers in Krakow, he spoke of the disposition of the Mother of Jesus and described her as a role model to be imitated. While speaking without notes on that occasion, the Holy Father invited young people to have memory of the past, courage for the present and to have/be hope for the future.

“The three themes announced above are intended to give a clear Marian tone to the spiritual journey of the next three WYDs. At the same time they give a picture of young people on a journey between the past (2017), present (2018) and future (2019), inspired by the three theological virtues of faith, charity and hope. This path that is being proposed to young people can also be seen to be in harmony with the reflection that Pope Francis has entrusted to the next Synod of Bishops: Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment”.

• Vatican Pope Francis WYD Panama beatitudes