"You are the future of the world, the hope of the Church. You are my hope." 

(Pope John Paul II, at the dedication of Centro San Lorenzo)

The San Lorenzo International Youth Centre, located right next to the heart of the Vatican, was founded in 1983 by John Paul II as a place where young pilgrims could find a welcoming environment, one that is founded on a shared love for the Eucharist and a missionary spirit. In 1984 the Centre became home to the original World Youth Day Cross, and since 2003 it has been home to the Icon of Mary and the Child Jesus, Salus Populi Romani, making it a place for pilgrims from around the world.

The official task of running the Centre has been entrusted to the Emmanuel Community by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, while additional support comes from the help offered by volunteers and other ecclesial groups. Because the Centre came to fruition through John Paul II's particular love for the youth of the world, the missions and activities of the Centre are therefore directed towards helping young people grow closer to Christ, and through Him to grow closer to each other.

The activities of the Centro San Lorenzo focus on the idea of offering young people a place to grow in their love for Christ in the Eucharist through prayer, community, and missionary zeal. Each academic year begins with the Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Rome, which is hosted by the Centre and the Emmanuel Community, and leads pilgrims on foot to visit and pray at Rome's seven principal basilicas. Every Friday there is the International Mass, where those visiting or living in Rome can celebrate Mass with other young people from around the world. Volunteers are also given the opportunity to accompany the World Youth Day Cross on various missions: taking the Cross out every Friday along Via Conciliazione, to pray and evangelise; going with the Cross to visit the prisoners at Rebibbia Penitentiary; taking the Cross to the town of Aquila to bring comfort and hope to the victims of the earthquake there, etc. Other activities include: weekly spiritual formation; a monthly seminar entitled "Pensavo che fosse l'Amour" on the nature of Christian human love; Praise and Sport on Saturday; the presentation of the Power of the Cross documentary, and so on.

The WYD Cross in front of the tent chapel at Aquila.

Young pilgrims from all parts of the world come here, individually or in groups, to find a place of prayer and community. Here, they find the opportunity to live their Christian faith, while learning how to share this faith with others. Most importantly, through the Sacraments and the Cross, they find a place where they can be transformed by the Love of Christ.

For futher information, http://www.centrosanlorenzo.com