From September 15 to 19, within the framework of the Year of Consecrated Life, the Pope received young consecrated men and women from around the world in Rome. The meeting was held under the motto: “Wake up the world. Gospel, prophecy, hope”.

The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life asked Youth Missionary of Rome to organize a “Mission Night” through the streets of the Church of San Andrés del Valle.

Together with Youth and Family Missionary, there were also consecrated members of Regnum Christi and the Legionaries of Christ who are in Rome. All of them supported the young consecrated men and women from around the world to carry out the mission through the streets.

Barbara Giannetti, head of Youth Missionary in Rome, commented that it had been an enriching experience especially because of the symbolism of serving the universal Church represented there by these young consecrated men and women. “The reaction of the consecrated was positive; they did not expect our missionary style to be so direct, as we do not just keep a church open at night, but we go out into the streets, stop people to invite them to enter the church, knowing that some will say ‘no'”.

The “Mission Night” was part of the meeting, which also included other activities in more churches around the city. The “Mission Night” began with the exposition of the Eucharist followed by a meditation — which, for the occasion, had to be delivered in three languages: Italian, English, and Spanish — led by priests of the Legion of Christ. After a moment of silent reflection, the Legionaries explained to the attendees the dynamics of the “Mission Night”. Then, groups were formed, each guided by a member of Youth Missionary, and they went out into the streets.

Barbara shared with us that “It has been a different ‘Mission Night’ from those we usually organize in Rome; this experience has united and motivated us even more. There was even a group from Poland that already invited us to the World Youth Day in Krakow“.

On September 17, Pope Francis received the young consecrated men and women who participated in the meeting and held a question-and-answer session with them. The text, in Italian, can be consulted here.