What Is Youth 2000?

Youth 2000 is one of the "New Movements" of the Roman Catholic Church. It began in 1990 in reponse to a call from Pope John Paul II for the Christian youth to become authentic witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a spiritual initiative which attempts to draw young people to Catholicism, primarily through Eucharistic adoration. It was founded by a young Englishman, Ernest Williams, who attended the 4th World Youth Day celebrations in 1989 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. At this event, Ernest was inspired by Pope John Paul's words, which called for young people to "become shining heralds of the re-evangelisation and generous architects of a new civilisation of love and truth". Ernest then visited the popular Portuguese place of pilgrimage, Fatima, and claimed he had a vision of what the Youth 2000 initiative would be. The movement started off in England and Wales but quickly spread to over 24 countires. Its retreats, prayer groups and other spiritual events are enjoyed by thousands of young people every year.