CHARITY: The Prized Virtue of ECYD
Charity is the love of the Heart of Jesus Christ that impels ECYD Adolescents to live the New Commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Charity is ECYD’s prized virtue. By living charity, adolescents seek to be witnesses of God’s love, following the example of the first Christian communities (Cf. Acts 4:32 and 2:42).
– ECYD Statutes, n. 8
Charity is love received and given. Its origin is God himself, who is love (Cf. 1 John 4:8, 16). This love has been poured out into our hearts (Cf. Romans 5:5). Therefore, we can love one another (Cf. John 13:34), and proclaim and give witness to this love (Cf. John 13:35).
Cf. Caritas in veritate, n. 5
“To live ECYD is to experience a charism that is then incarnated in a lifestyle and mission.
It is the joy that springs forth in the adolescents when they discover that they are loved and called by Jesus Christ;
it is the initiative and creativity enkindled inside when they know they are engaged in a great mission in the light of eternity;
it is what happens within when they understand that an authentic and attractive Christianity can be lived, thus leaving a deep imprint in today’s world;
it is the strength given by being part of a group of friends who share the same ideals, and above all their faith.”