“Rise up”- the WYD catechesis: the first day is about dialogue on integral ecology

Each morning from now until Aug. 4, meetings called "Rise up!" will be held in Lisbon and the WYD pilgrims are invited to participate and listen to each other and dialogue, in synodal fashion, on three themes central to Pope Francis' pontificate: integral ecology, social friendship and mercy.

In keeping with the WYD tradition, the young people gather in churches, squares, sports fields, and theaters and, after, a moment for greetings and activities, they welcome a catechist bishop who introduces them to the theme of the day.

We want to truly strive to make this world better, just as God wants it to be!

Among the bishops invited to teach catechesis on the first day was Card. Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec (Canada) and member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, who met with more than 1,500 French-speaking pilgrims in the Monte da Galega Municipal Stadium. "It is important for all of us to reaffirm that we truly want to strive to make this a better world, just as God wants it to be! You are the generation called not to look at each other and do nothing. It is time for commitment. You can - we can - do so starting from the Gospel!".

Laudato Si' invites us to consider wholeness, the totality of all life that must be respected

Addressing the theme of integral ecology, Card. Lacroix said, "Humanity is in great need of hope! Let us return to our homes as men and women of hope". Then he said, "Christian life is not an espresso coffee, which is drunk quickly, rather it is a slow and steady journey. To welcome this journey, means embracing a new way of living. This transformation must indeed be integral, and it touches every aspect of our life. Therefore, this morning our meeting prompts us to reflect on integral ecology. Dwelling on 'ecology' alone is a good thing, but it is not enough. To safeguard and respect, for example, trees, in Laudato Si', Pope Francis invites us first to consider wholeness, the totality of all life that must be respected. This, my friends, is our concrete concern”.

The catechesis was then followed by dialogue with some questions, the dynamics proposed to each animation team -- a house to be built with the words that emerged from the catechesis -- and, in conclusion, the celebration of Holy Mass.