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Information reaching the office of RECOWACERAAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA in faraway Abidjan in Ivory Coast has indicated that the organizers of the recent national event in Cape Verde have Lauded the Success of National Jubilee Year Celebration for Cape Verdean Youths.

The President of the National Executive Commission for the 500th Anniversary of the Diocese of Santiago in Cape Verde has lauded the just concluded National Jubilee Year of Catholic Youths, describing it as a success.

Held across the archipelago and island country of West Africa in the central Atlantic Ocean from August 4 to 12, the event was part of the decade-long celebrations leading up to the Diocese’s historic milestone in 2033.

In a Wednesday, August 14 interview with ACI Africa and made available to RECONA, Fr. António Manuel Monteiro Silves Ferreira highlighted the enthusiasm and joy expressed by the young participants as they returned to their parishes and Dioceses.

“The overall balance sheet is positive,” Fr. Monteiro said, highlighting how social media was flooded with live streams and posts from the youth, capturing their excitement as they journeyed home by boat, through airports, and along roads.

The Cape Verdean Catholic Priest said that the youth were returning home with a renewed sense of purpose. “They are the ambassadors and the preparers of this significant event, the 500-year Jubilee,” he said.

“Social media testimonies, including stories of three-day boat journeys back home testify to how rewarding the event was for many,” Fr. Monteiro told the media.

He emphasized the importance of young people recognizing their role in the Church and nation. “This land, this Church, this nation are ours, thanks to the effort, sweat, and dedication of our ancestors. We are grateful to them, and we must now take up the mantle, committing ourselves to pass it on to future generations,” Fr. Monteiro said.

As part of the Jubilee activities, Fr. Monteiro introduced the concept of the “500 Generation,” a vision for the youth who will carry the Church into the next 500 years.

“In 2033, it will be these young people who will prepare this Church to carry forward the mission,” he explained.

The Jubilee of Cape Verdean Youth is part of a series of celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the Diocese of Santiago de Cabo Verde, which began in 2023 and will culminate in 2033. Last year, the Diocese celebrated the Jubilee of the Cape Verdean Family, and this year focused on the youth.

“We must provide these young people with the essentials so that they can best contribute to building a better Cape Verde,” Fr. Monteiro said.

The Jubilee concluded with the drafting of a resolution project that the youth will present to the Bishops and the President of the Republic. This project aims to continue the momentum through regular forums, leading up to the grand celebration in 2033.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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