The Commission for Missions of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, in partnership with the Youth Council of the Pontifical Mission Societies, has organised a missionary youth meeting in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, starting today and lasting until Sunday 19th April. Targeted to young people aged 18 to 35 who have an interest in the missionary work of the Church, the event – as written on the webpage of the Spanish Episcopal Conference – aims at “helping them explore the missionary dimension of faith in Christ, especially for those who already take part in or wish to get involved in missionary experiences”. The programme will start this evening, with a welcome to the attendants, followed by dinner and a missionary evening. Tomorrow, there will be times for prayer, education and socialisation. In the morning, the young will go on a pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Gracia, where the Eucharist will be celebrated. In the afternoon, the programme will include a film club, with a screening of “Solo Javier”, followed by a discussion with film critic Juan Orellana. The day will end with a prayer livened up by musician Javier Portela and the Radio María live show “Iglesia en Misión”. Sunday, 19th April, will start off with Mass. Then, a workshop will be held about “Mission in the three vocations”, consecrated, ordained and laity, with quite a few people telling their stories. The meeting will be rounded off by a presentation of the initiatives of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The meeting wants to provide – the Spanish Episcopal Conference goes on explaining – “an opportunity to renew young people’s missionary commitment, strengthen their faith, and promote an outward-looking Church, open to the needs of the world”.