The “20+1” Gathering in Pagani
Youth Pilgrimage – 1987-2008

Twenty years ago RYVM came officially into being in the Province of Naples, though steps in that direction had been taken place previously. However, the definite Big Bang that produced this ministry for youth was caused by some special events back in 1987.

The birth of RYVM was brought about in the context of a Jubilee year that marked the bicentenary of the death of St. Alphonsus. At that time, in Pagani, the General Government organized the first meeting of Redemptorist youth from all over the world. More than 1,100 young people and Redemptorist Missionaries took part in the event.

We had wanted to celebrate the memory of this event in the summer of 2007 but, because of the meeting in Limerick, it was not possible. However, we could not allow this occasion to pass in silence and so we have postponed it for a year, now giving it the title ‘20+1’, the ‘1’indicating the present year.

It is a year for celebration but also for study. Since December 2007, in all the communities of the Province of Naples, preparations have begun for the events that that will culminate in Pagani during the final week of July 2008. In typical Redemptorist style this occasion will be a real mission for young people. The program of events will conclude with a procession through the town and a night vigil at the tomb of the St. Alphonsus.

For now this is all we have to communicate, but we invite you to consult the web page www.pgvrna.it where you may obtain further information and the addresses for contacting us.

The RYVM team of Naples