Strasbourg opens its homes to the youth ” “

In less than two weeks 20 thousand youths from all over Europe and world continents will convene in Strasbourg, in the heart of the continent, seat of the EU Parliament and the Council of Europe, and venue of the Taize meeting, 36th destination of the pilgrimage of hope on earth, due to take place from December 28 to January 1st 2014 Among them, over 2500 young people will be arriving from Ukraine, while 1500 volunteers will arrive a few days earlier to prepare the event. Taizé confirms the news according to which all young people will be hosted in families, which hasn’t happened for many years. It’s a clear sign – we’re told at the Taizé community – of the “great thrust of generosity” with which young become will be welcomed across the region of Alsace and e Ortenau. The event will be presented to the press next Thursday and there are great expectations for the message that Pope Francis will send to young people in Taizé. Pope Bergoglio’s letter will be united with the message that like every year the leaders of Christian Churches in Europe send for the end-of-year gathering. Programme and themes. The letter of Fr Alois, which wil accompany the spiritual progress of the youths in 2014, this year will focus on the theme of “visible communion” with for proposal for its concrete experience in every day life. During the meeting in Strasbourg moments of silence and prayer (along with prayer vigils for peace) will be followed by time for sharing and reflection, lived in the family and in the parishes along with communal gatherings due to take place Parc de l’Exposition. A set of themes which include the economic downturn, unemployment and precariousness, will be addressed in dedicated afternoon sessions scheduled for December 29-30 with contributions from entrepreneurs, journalists and economists. In the seat of the European Parliament a European Court Judge, Ann Power-Forde, will address the question of justice and human rights, while the chief Rabbi of Strasbourg, René Gutman, was asked to discuss the theme “Changing the world” with the youths. There is also room for commitment: roundtables will focus on the ecology and climate changes, debates for professionals and health workers, exchanges of experiences “along the way”, reflections on Europe as a land of migration. Opportunities for spiritual reflection, guided tours in the cathedral, personal dialogue with the priests are also tabled in the framework of the event. The Good news of reconciliation. The initiative was lauded by the French Council of Christian Churches that wrote in a statement: “We welcome the decision to hold the pilgrimage of hope that animates the Taize community in Strasbourg, the city symbolizing European home, in the hope that this European encounter may enable young people to experience various geographic, cultural and ecclesial horizons, that it may further mutual encounter and mutual respect among the youths, overcoming all forms of prejudice and misunderstandings passed down by history”. The religious leaders added: “at a time when is cherished the memory of the outbreak of the first world war, that tragically tore our continent apart, we pray that this European encounter may give people the pleasure of proclaiming together with their peers the Good news of Reconciliation”. Building bridges on unity. A warm welcome was conveyed by the Catholic archbishop of Strasbourg Msgr. Jean-Pierre Grallet: “As you all know, Strasbourg is a place of French-German reconciliation. The city is a symbol of the reconciliation of two peoples that once were enemies and that today look at each other in fraternity and mutual esteem”. It is also the place of the European construction thanks to the presence of European institutions”. “I hope this meeting may turn you into the artisans of reconciliation, building bridges of unity among peoples”, the bishop concluded. The president of the Union of Protestant Churches, Jean-Francois Collange, added: “Our epoch needs young people that will be the beares of future and hope”.