We saw that we had to have more meetings for the young, more catechesis, said Bishop Soubrier. Most of us realized that we had to be more accessible. The personal experience of many bishops with the young seems to be the fuel that energizes youth ministry. As the bishops minister to the young, they find themselves renewed. I was so moved by their climate of listening and their questions, said Bishop Ricard.
Young people are really avid to clarify what the heart of faith is .
I saw kids who, despite difficulties, really want to do something with their lives. Groups which had been absent in the past came forward in large numbers from parishes, universities, and dioceses. Many of the new communities joined the diocesan groups and traveled to Rome together. The pride of being French was displayed all week through songs, colorful T-shirts, and flags, as was the pride of speaking French, exemplified by the mixing of pilgrims from Canada, Africa, Caribbean nations, Switzerland, and France. But what emerged clearly by week s end was that which was shared by all a pride in being part of the universal Catholic Church.