Lay group, inspired by Pope John Paul II, bring Culture of Life to youth

Promoting the culture of life among youth is the purpose behind a gathering of young people in Mississauga, Ont. in connection with World Youth Day.

Scaling the Heights and See the World from the Mountaintop of Faith is taking place July 22 at the John Paul II Cultural Centre on Cawthra Road. Organized by the Catholic lay apostolate Precious Blood and Life, the event is expected to attract several hundred young people from around the world for what the apostolate's president calls "a chastity education event."

"We decided to offer it during the experience of World Youth Day as a preparation for the Holy Father's visit," says Brian Moccia. "It would be useful for young people in the area to have exposure to other young people from around the world in this type of setting."

Scheduled speakers include: Barbara McGuigan, president of Voice of Virtue International; Monsignor Philip Reilly, the founder of Helpers of God's Precious Infants; Sister Ann Shields, the director of youth ministry for Renewal Ministries; and Moccia. The Vision of Love ministry band and Heralds of the Gospel are providing music.

"We hope that young people comprehend that there's tremendous hope for them in the pro-life field of activity and also in their personal lives," said Moccia.

Precious Blood and Life has as its devotional base the recognition of the affinity between the innocently shed blood of Christ and the spilling of innocent blood in the world today, particularly through abortion.

"We consider ourselves particularly inspired by Pope John Paul II and his Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life) and Pope Paul VI's encyclical Humanae Vitae (On Human Life)," said Moccia. "That's our inspirational and church teaching base. We propagate devotion to the precious blood as its linked to the promotion of the culture of life, particularly among youth and married couples."

The apostolate has as a key premise the proposition that the contraceptive mentality lies at the root of abortion. "I see our activities as being a catalyst," says Moccia. "Many people may not gravitate to pro-life activities until they have a clear understanding of the church's teaching."

"Our hope and desire is that we will flood the ranks of pro-life organizations," he added. "We're really a kind of recruitment agency to get people politically involved, and then be pro-life activists by drawing from our own church."

Registration for Scaling the Heights is $5 and includes lunch. A free backpack will also be given to the first 750 registrants. The Eternal Word Television Network is expected to televise the proceedings.