The Department of Youth Pastoral Care of the diocese of Guarda and the Catholic musical group Jota have organized a Festival of music of Christian inspiration, to be held at Paul (Serra de Estrela) from 20 to 22 July: the venue is an ideal scenario for prayer in perfect harmony with nature. At first conceived as a way of promoting music in general, the Festival is aimed, more particularly, at underlining its difference from traditional youth concerts: apart from developing artistic creativity in various aspects, it wishes to disseminate a positive attitude to life, arouse the habit of using leisure in a rewarding way and offer an experience of participation and exchange between Christian youth groups and movements throughout the country. It will also try to promote ecumenical experiences, with moments of festivity, entertainment and sport, alternating with meetings reserved for reflection and prayer, or dedicated to meditating on the values of altruism, respect, autonomy and critical sense, and the themes of peace, communion and faith. The Festival will also try to raise the awareness of the young about ecological issues and respect for the creation: the magnificent natural scenery will be an occasion for excursions and guided visit to such sites in the vicinity as the hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Dolours). The salient musical moments of the Festival will take place on the evening of Friday and Saturday and on Sunday afternoon, with concerts by Portuguese and Spanish artists by now dedicated to the religious commercial circuit. On Sunday morning a Mass for the participants will be celebrated by the Bishop of Guarda, Manuel da Rocha Felício. (www.festivaljota.com).
