An association of Catholic laity, primarily single young people from the ages of 16-36. Married couples are also welcome. The individual chapters are united by the common Juventutem Charter (http://www.juventutem.org/pages/english/home/juventutem-charter.php). The information presented in quotes derives from that Charter. What is the aim of Juventutem?
'The aim of Juventutem is the sanctification
of young people according to the liturgical and spiritual traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, referring to the motu proprio Ecclesia Dei Adflicta, published by Pope John Paul II on 2 July 1988; and to the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, published by Pope Benedict XVI on 7 July 2007: “Immediately after the Second Vatican Council, it might have been imagined that the demand for the use of the 1962 Missal would have been limited to the older generation, which had grown up with it, but it
has since become clear that young people were also discovering this liturgical form, feeling attracted to it and finding in it a type of contact with the Most Holy Eucharist which suited them particularly well” [Letter to the Bishops accompanying Summorum Pontificum].'
What will Juventutem Miami be like? Juventutem Miami will be a dynamic group of Catholic young adults who think the Traditional Latin Mass is cool, who like to gather for compelling Catholic events, and who enjoy making new friends. Our application for affiliation to the Juventutem International Federation is currently pending approval. But I don't know Latin, don't go to the Traditional Latin Mass, and belong to other groups! Nolite timere! (Be not afraid!) You're perfectly suited to participate in Juventutem events! We're dedicated to pursuing holiness through the traditions of Roman-rite Catholicism- our spiritual patrimony -and our activities won't preclude you from fulfilling any other commitments you may have. What sort of events can we look forward to from Juventutem Miami? We are planning to have weekday evening Sung Masses on a monthly basis. As of this writing, we have a group forming who wish to prepare together for Marian consecration on August 15, 2013. We also have a theology-on-tap-style gathering in the works. Other events will be announced periodically. To give you an idea of what to expect, our members are interested in: Catechism classes, performing service by engaging in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, studying Christian doctrine in-depth, exploring the richness of the sacred music tradition, adoring our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at Holy Hours with Solemn Benediction, singing the Divine Office, learning the Latin language, studying classic works in the Catholic tradition and important Church documents, pro-life activities, and making ourselves available as a resource to the Church in Miami, among other things. What commitments do members of Juventutem make?
'The goal of Juventutem is to sanctify youth. To reach this goal, every member of Juventutem commits to:
1. every day: praying for the sanctification of youth and especially for other members of Juventutem. He can recite the extract from Psalm 42 “Judica Me” used in the prayers at the foot of the altar during Holy Mass, from where the name “Juventutem” is derived, or he can say a prayer of his choosing (such as the Ave Maria or Pater Noster) for example;
2. every week: entering at least once, however briefly, into a church or oratory to adore Our Lord present in the tabernacle (either during Mass or at another time, on Sunday or during the week );
3. every year: hearing Holy Mass in the traditional rite (at least once a year); going to Confession (at least once a year); taking part in some Juventutem activity.'
How did Juventutem get started?
'The name “Juventutem” was mentioned for the first time on 24th May 2004, in correspondence between the founders of Juventutem. 24th May is of course the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. Following the victory of Christendom over the Turks at Lepanto, in the Ionian islands (1571), the Pope, St Pius V, had inserted in the litanies to the Blessed Virgin the invocation to Our Lady “Help of Christians.” It was also under this title that Pope Pius VII created a feast day, on 24th May, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to express his gratitude for deliverance in 1814 from exile and the captivity imposed on him by Napoleon I. 24th May is considered to be the anniversary of Juventutem. The International Juventutem Federation was founded in Bern, Switzerland, on 24th May 2006. Juventutem made itself manifest for the first time in August 2005 (in Bavaria and then in Düsseldorf) during the triennial World Youth Days. From its inception, however, Juventutem was intended to be a permanent structure with the purpose of sanctifying young traditional Catholics by demonstrating their diversity and vitality in regular activities. Juventutem was founded in the context of the year of the Eucharist, decreed and inaugurated by Pope John Paul II in October 2004 and concluded by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2005. Since its beginning and in future, Juventutem has entrusted and will entrust its members and works to the Son of God made Man, Jesus Christ our Saviour, present in the Blessed Eucharist.'
