On October 26 of this year, the Sisters of Carnaubeira da Penha and Maringá, in Brazil, celebrated National Youth Day (NYD ) with the youth of the Archdiocese of Maringá and the Diocese of Floresta.
Created by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) in 1985, the DNJ is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of October. This day brings together young people from all over the country to express their faith and reflect on social, political and cultural issues from the perspective of the Gospel.
In the Archdiocese of Maringá, the theme of the meeting was “Hope does not deceive”. The day began with a catechesis by Bishop Dom Severino Clasen, who deepened the meaning of the DNJ, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Glory. Afterwards, the young people walked together to the Marist College gymnasium, where they enjoyed a great concert with local Catholic groups, in an atmosphere of joy and communion.
In the Diocese of Floresta, the motto was “As young pilgrims, let us be sowers of hope”. The meeting was held from October 24 to 26 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Health, in Tacaratu, and included missionary moments, spaces for spirituality, Catholic concerts and the Eucharist of thanksgiving presided over by Bishop Dom Gabriele Marchesi.
DNJ is a deeply meaningful day: it renews the hope of many young people who are searching for meaning and direction, and gives them the opportunity to personally encounter Christ, experiencing the joy of being young Catholics committed to life and faith.
Sr. Maria Júlia da Conceição Souza, ccv
