Pope Benedict XVI announced in his August 24 General Audience in Castel Gandolfo the theme for the next world youth day. In his message he resounded the call of Christ to his disciples when he ascended into heaven: “Go and Make Disciples of All Nations” –  Matthew 28:19. This theme is very appropriate since Rio De Janeiro has the smallest number of Catholics within Brazil, a country with the largest Catholic population in South America. The Missionary Character of the theme will urge most Young Brazilians to take part in the mission of the Church in spreading the Gospel and evangelizing Brazil from within and neighboring countries in South America. Currently, there are more foreign missionaries working inside Brazil than Brazilian missionaries sent outside of the country to do missionary work. The Pope is calling on Brazil to embrace that Catholic identity and put them into action. We have blogged previously about the situation of Catholicism in Brazil in general where relativism is rampant, liberal theology is widespread and that most Catholics turn to prosperity Gospels by converting to Evangelicals and Pentecostals.

It has been known for a few years now that the Bishops of different diocese of Brazil are lobbying in the Vatican for the Pope to award the hosting of the WYD. As early as 2007 and 2008, three Dioceses are biding to host the event: Belo Horizonte, Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. The Pope chose Rio de Janeiro for obvious reasons. The World Youth Day in Rio will be held on July 23-28, 2013 and the Pope also asked the faithful to begin praying for the preparations of the said event.

The Holy Father also announced the theme for next year’s diocesan-level WYD, traditionally held on Palm Sunday. The 2012 theme will be taken from Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord Always!”

Joy In Rio De Janeriro

At home front, Young Brazilians rejoiced heavily upon hearing the announcement from the Pope himself during the Final Mass at Cuatro Vientos Aerodrome beamed via satellite to Brazil in real time. Some Young Catholics even took the celebration to the streets and chanting hymns and cheers. It was a joyous moment for the young people of Brazil who will finally have a chance to show the world their faith. According to Fabiana Targino of the Brazilian Youth Ministry, to attend world youth day is to experience joy in one’s personal life.

“We saw that, though belonging to different countries and cultures, what unites us is the same faith in Christ Jesus. To know that the next WYD will be in Rio is an indescribable emotion, a dream come true, It is a joy to receive the Pope in our city, We are going to prepare every detail of the next Day with much affection and love. May we be able to show the world that we are bearers of peace.” – Targino said

The last time a World Youth Day was held in Latin America was in 1987, in Buenos Aires argentina, the first ever world youth day held outside Rome attended by Pope John Paul II.