The themes chosen by the Pope for the next three years World Youth
Days will focus on the Beatitudes.
They are: "The Mighty One has done
great things for me, and holy is his name” (Lk 1:49) for the 2017, "“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” (Lk 1:30)" (Lk 1:30) for 2018 and "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be
done to me according to your word "(Lk 1:38) for the 35th International
Day in 2019 that will be held in Panama.
A statement of the dicastery for the laity, family and life published a
statement today that said “the spiritual path indicated by the Holy
Father continues the reflection that started with the last three WYDs
(2014-16) when the themes were focused on the Beatitudes.
As we know,
Mary is the one that all generations call blessed (cf. Lk 1:49).
In Pope Francis’ prepared address for the meeting with WYD volunteers
in Krakow, he spoke of the disposition of the Mother of Jesus and
described her as a role model to be imitated.
While speaking without
notes on that occasion, the Holy Father invited young people to have memory of the past, courage for the present and to have/be hope for the future.
“The three themes announced above are intended to give a clear Marian
tone to the spiritual journey of the next three WYDs. At the same time
they give a picture of young people on a journey between the past
(2017), present (2018) and future (2019), inspired by the three
theological virtues of faith, charity and hope.
This path that is being
proposed to young people can also be seen to be in harmony with the
reflection that Pope Francis has entrusted to the next Synod of Bishops:
Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment”.