Preparations for the first national meeting of Swiss Catholic youth, due to be held in Bern on 5/6 June, continue uninterruptedly. A hundred or so staff are working full time on the organization of the event, complicated by the uncertain presence of the Pope, as explained by the spokesman of the Swiss bishops, Marc Aellen: “Since the autumn of last year each journey of the Pope is only confirmed at the last moment, in relation to the state of his health. If the Pope’s presence is confirmed, we will have to adjust the structures accordingly to be able to accommodate hundreds of journalists. The same goes for the choice of the venue for the celebration of mass. We would have to organise the area of the Allmend to be able to contain tens of thousands of youngsters”. The greatness and importance of the event is also being underlined by the generosity of many Swiss Catholics, who were invited by their own bishops to contribute to a collection held in all parishes on 7/8 February. The money gathered, as also the donations of various institutions, will – according to the organizers permit the estimated cost of 1.8 million francs to be covered. “A modest sum, if one considers that it comprises not only the necessary infrastructures for such a meeting, but also the travel costs of the thousands of young people expected in Bern. To permit everyone to participate, the enrolment fee was fixed at a symbolic price of 40 francs, which includes transport, participation in the concert of the Gen Rosso and meals”. To the efforts of the organization should also be added those of the many volunteers, of whom there are already several scores, and many others are registering on the website www.leve-toi.ch. “This meeting is an unique occasion: transcending all cultural and linguistic differences declares Msgr. Denis Theurillat, delegate for youth ministry of the Swiss bishops the young will be able to meet together, celebrate their faith, experience the communion of the Church and share their questions about life and faith: ‘What has been my path so far? Where will it lead me? Where will I draw the strength for the future? Where will I find meaning and hope? How can I dedicate myself in society in a credible manner?”
