Today in Asuncion, Paraguay, at the Retreat House of the Holy Martyrs, the “Encuentro Latino Americano” of the Popes Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN-AoP) and the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM) examined the International Manual for EYM which was released from our Vatican City headquarters in March of this year. Fr. Blazek wrote from the meeting to share: “The release of this manual was a massive work, and it will serve as a wonderful tool for to advance our worth among the youth of the world.”

According to the manual, “the EYM is present today in 59 countries on 5 continents.” The group consists of children and young adults of both sexes from age 5 to 25 years. “Members are prepared for life as Christian adults, committed to serving their brothers and sisters in the challenges facing humanity.”

The gathering reviewed the methodology of EYM: “…of organzsing is based on the creation of Centres in: parishes, chapels, schools and colleges, among others. Members participate in different stages depending on their age. They are trained to have a clear sense of the Church, through the experience of Prayer, Eucharist, the Word of God and Discernment. Young people are prepared for a life of service, attentive to the needs of today’s world.”

Directors from across Latin America shared practical experiences in which the EYM offers members different ways of succeeding in this ideal – living in a team, meetings, songs, liturgies, retreats, camps, etc. These are opportunities to relax, talk about experiences, meditate and serve; always with the aim of helping the member to grow, and of guiding them in their Christian vocational choices.

During the presentation today by International Director Fr. Fornos, it was recalled with joy that St. Therese of Lisiuex, the co-patron of our work alongside St. Francis Xavier, was a committed member of our Youth Movement in France.

Above: Certificate from 1885 admitting St. Therese of Lisiuex (Therese Martin) to the Apostleship of Prayer and the League of the Sacred Heart, our parent organizations.