World Youth Day 2011 - Caritas needs you

(August 11, 2011) The doors of Caritas are open to young people from all over the world and the Caritas organisations spread over 165 countries around the world are waiting to welcome them in Madrid said Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Michel Roy. He added that Caritas is available to those who are in need of support and help, those who are facing the world alone and also those who would like the opportunity to offer their services to the poor. He said this in his message for the World Youth day that begins on the 16^th of August. At a time when the world seems darkened by economic crisis, social problems and instability, it is the young who bring fresh energy and who shine a light which can help guide us forward as one, he said. Michel Roy continued saying that Pope Benedict XVI’s message for World Youth Day, "Rooted and grounded in Christ, in the faith,” urges young people to answer God’s call and to put their faith into practice through Gospel values and charity. The Pontiff says that by following Christ’s word, new generations will find solid foundations and the courage to face life’s difficulties. Stressing the role of youth today, the Secretary General said that young people are a powerful force in the world of Caritas. When a massive earthquake hit parts of Japan this year, many young people flocked to the devastated areas to offer their services as volunteers. These young people don’t just provide a service, but they bring love, compassion and tolerance with their contributions to the work of Caritas. He said that he would like to echo the Pope’s call when he says “the Church depends on you! She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope.” He concluded saying that together with their brothers and sisters at World Youth Day, they have the chance to build firm foundations of truth and solidarity for all.