Lima, Peru, Dec 7, 2004 / 22:00 pm
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, 100 young people in Lima, Peru, made a promise to the Blessed Mother to live in chastity while they discern the state of life to which they are called.
The young people, ranging in age from 17 to 25, will be the leaders of a campaign encouraging young people to practice chastity while they discern their vocation, whether to marriage, priestly or religious life.
According to the promoters of the campaign, inspired by the successful “Pure by Choice” program launched last year in Colorado, “the young people were encouraged to make the commitment during preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.”
The young people participated in a series of retreats which focused on purity as a lifestyle choice that leads to happiness and is a means to achieving complete fulfillment in their lives.
During the ceremony which was led by Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima, more than 200 religious also renewed their vows.