From December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025, thousands of young people from various countries will gather in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, to pray, engage in thematic workshops, and share their experiences of faith. Organized by the ecumenical Taizé Community, this will be the 47th European Youth Meeting.

A Program of Prayer, Reflection, and Connection

The meeting will include daily prayers, Bible reflections, small group discussions, and opportunities to connect with local Christian communities. Participants will also explore Estonia’s culture and history while experiencing the hospitality of Tallinn’s residents.
In preparation for the event, leaders of the member churches of the Estonian Council of Churches issued an invitation, emphasizing the importance of unity and intercultural dialogue. Selecting Tallinn as the host city highlights the Baltic region’s role in promoting peace and understanding in Europe.

A Message of Hope from Pope Francis

Pope Francis addressed a letter to the participants, drawing inspiration from the theme of hope. “In these days in Tallinn, you seek to ‘hope against all hope,’ following the title of the letter Brother Matthew, the prior of Taizé, wrote for the coming year. This call, aligning with the theme of the Jubilee Year beginning in 2025, extends to each of you: ‘Come filled with hope!’ Hope overcomes every fatigue, crisis, and worry. It propels us forward because it is a gift from God, filling our lives with meaning, illuminating our paths, and showing us our ultimate direction and purpose,” the Pope wrote in his message for the 39th World Youth Day (November 24, 2024).

“Dear young people, the Holy Father trusts in you and reaffirms the confidence the Church places in you because the universal Church needs all of you to proclaim the Good News of God’s love today. This is also the essence of the synodal process undertaken by the Catholic Church, fostering significant progress in ecumenical friendship with our brothers and sisters of different Christian denominations. Entrusting you and your families to the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Pope Francis wholeheartedly gives you his Apostolic Blessing and asks for your prayers,” wrote Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.

A Rich Schedule of Activities

Each day, participants will attend thematic sessions addressing topics such as faith and spiritual life, social engagement, culture, and the arts. National gatherings will also take place, along with evening prayers broadcast on the Taizé Community’s YouTube channel. On December 31, a vigil for world peace and a Festival of Nations will be held at 11:00 PM in the hosting communities. Daily Catholic Masses will also be celebrated, offering spiritual nourishment to attendees.

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