December 6, 2012. (Romereports.com) More than 30,000 European youths will travel to Rome to celebrate the new year in the Eternal City. Thanks to the Taizé Community, from December 28th to January 2nd, they will all take part in a gathering called the European Meeting in Rome. As a highlight, they'll have a meeting with Benedict XVI.


CARD. AGOSTINO VALLINI
Vicar General of Rome
“It's a different way to mark the New Year because it's a combination of a vacation and celebration. The meeting will have a message that personally touches people and communities.”

FR. DAVID
Taizé Community
“The Pope will welcome the participants in the meeting right in the beginning, on the 29th of December for a time of prayer. Pope Benedict will speak to them and will leave a message for this meeting. But already just welcoming them and praying with them... I think will mark many of these young people.”

The goal is to break cultural barriers, but above all, the mission is to promote a culture of prayer and faith in a world where the presence of God is often overlooked.

In fact, organizers are welcoming all European youths, despite their religion. For example, there will be Catholics, protestants and orthodox. Also attending will be people with religious doubts and non believers. Organizers say, it's all about sharing and learning from others. Despite the economic crisis, people are lining up to take part.

FR. DAVID
Taizé Community
“What's very much surprising is the number of young people who want to come, in a period of crisis in many countries. Even in a period that is not easy, they know that there are things we can't leave behind.”

Once in Rome, the youths will stay with local families, to truly understand the social, cultural and religious life in Rome. It will be an experience that breaks through all types of barriers.


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