The “seismographs” of the new era

On August 5 to 9 the city of Ávila, Spain, will host the European meeting of young people, organized by the Spanish Bishops Conference (CEE), whose theme is “In difficult times, strong friends of God”. The event is held in the framework of celebrations marking the fifth centenary of the birth of St. Teresa de Jesús, organized by the Department of Youth of the CEE, in partnership with the Carmelite order, the diocese of Ávila and the town of Ávila. It is expected that, during these days, as many as 5,500 young people will gather in the city from the Spanish dioceses and from other countries such as France, Portugal, Poland, Italy and Malta; There are also groups from countries outside Europe, such as Australia, Brazil and Argentina. In the company of Saint Teresa de Jesús. The event is meant “to promote a personal encounter with Christ and with the young people from other movements, cultures and countries; to live the experience of the Catholic Church as mystery and communion based on the experience of Saint Teresa de Jesús; to become aware of our mission as baptized, that is, to bear witness to the faith in Christ; to know the relevance of the Christian message, exemplified in St. Teresa, with topical relevance for us all”. The dynamics of the meeting, therefore, will be centered on the figure of Teresa de Jesús (1515-1582), to spread awareness on her figure and her importance in the life of the Church. Celebrations, visits to Teresian sites, debates and concerts are among the planned events. From Wednesday 5 to Friday, August 7 will be held, starting at 10 p.m., music festivals and concerts of contemporary Catholic musicians, including Toño Casado, Jesús Cabello, the Voz del Desierto, Migueli, Unai Quirós, Nico Montero, Father Damián , Merche, Pablo López and comedian Santi Rodríguez. The esplanade of the Center Lienzo Norte is the main venue of the event where will be held concerts, the welcoming ceremony, a prayer vigil on the eve of the closure and the final Mass, presided over by Cardinal Ricardo Blazquez Perez. Catechesis, retreats and Masses will be presided over and officiated by over thirty Spanish bishops, who will participate in the European Meeting. The catechesis during the event, will be delivered in four languages. “Strong friends of God”. The president of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, archbishop of Valladolid, cardinal Ricardo Blázquez Pérez, wrote a message to the youths for the occasion. “You receive a joyous greeting ahead of the European meeting of young people – writes the cardinal -. The Word of God, internalized by faith, has the power to overcome temptation and sin, to overcome selfishness and to fill the void. “The cardinal observed: “Saint Teresa de Jesus sends us a message in the fifth centenary of her birth: ‘In difficult times, strong friends of God’. With affection and gratitude Avila has preserved the memory of the Saint, as the local inhabitants call her, brings us together to teach us with her life and with her words to be strong friends of God “. For Cardinal Blázquez Pérez, “mediocrity does not fill our heart; only a vigorous decision makes life meaningful”. With Teresa de Jesús, “we learn to respond with human and Christian determination to the challenges of our time, or, with her words, to ‘difficult times’. Difficulties can be faced; we do not escape from problems. On several occasions Pope Francis spoke of a change of epoch, not only of an epoch with many, deep and rapid changes”. Protagonists of history. Everyone, the prelate points out, “is involved in this crusade that invites us to address the significant, urgent call to find a direction amidst the confusions, not to be the victims of history but its protagonists. The youths are like seismographs who detect, or perceive, underground movements, and at the same time, given the age in which they are shaping their future, they are affected by the current crisis”. For the Cardinal, “the youth meeting in Avila is an opportunity to share an experience, to address our prayers to a special teacher in this fundamental Christian situation, to celebrate Church sacraments, to listen, reflect upon and share the meaning of Christian life”.