Pontifical council says Holy Spirit is theme of next three youth days

Published: 2006-01-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While choosing themes for the next three celebrations of World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI asked young Catholics to reflect on how the Holy Spirit leads people to encounter Christ, to love others and to go out to the world to spread the Gospel, said the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The council, which coordinates the local annual celebration of World Youth Day and organizes the international gatherings of young people with the pope, published the list of themes for 2006-2008. The next international gathering, the council said Jan. 3, will be held July 15-20, 2008, in Sydney, Australia. The theme for the 2008 event is "You Will Receive Power When the Holy Spirit Has Come Upon You; and You Will Be My Witnesses." The quotation is taken from the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. "Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path" is the theme chosen by Pope Benedict for the 2006 celebrations, which will be held on the diocesan level, the council said. In 2007, also on the diocesan level, young people will focus on the theme "Just as I Have Loved You, You Also Should Love One Another."

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