Towards Panama with Signs of Joy

“This World Youth Day will be very Marian and Central American.” The Secretary, Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello voiced this anticipation at the end of a meeting that took place a few days ago at our Dicastery with the Panamanian organizing Committee of the next World Youth Day.

In the presence of Msgr. Mauricio Rueda, in charge of the Holy Father’s trips; the Dicastery’s secretary, Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello; and the Archbishop of Panama, Msgr. José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, the planning of the main events of the Day was discussed: the agenda also included the solidarity fund, accommodations for the participants, the preparatory catechesis, the composition of the “Pilgrim's Bag,” and communication.

Archbishop Ulloa told about the joy “that so many brothers and sisters in the suburbs have experienced, especially when welcoming—in Cuba, Santo Domingo, and Haiti—the Cross, which will soon reach Central America and Puerto Rico.”

The Archbishop has invited each young person to “take part in the preparations for the WYD. Expressing the hope that these two great signs—the Cross and the icon of Our Lady—will allow us to encounter Jesus, guided by Mary’s hand, together with the Successor of Peter.”

Pastoral and logistical aspects are being rounded off, as we wait for the 2nd International Meeting to prepare this World Youth Day, which will be held in Panama from 7 to 9 June 2018.