Panama - World youth festival begins with volunteers with a Salesian heart: Panama 2019

21 January 2019

(ANS - Panama City) - Just a few hours to go before the World Youth Day (WYD) of Panama 2019 begins, an event prepared with a highly precise organization. The Salesians were the first to take up this challenge. And in the spirit of service, driven by the love of God, thousands of people, from the youngest to the oldest, have decided to be part of the organization of the greatest event of the Catholic Church, to be witnesses of God's love.

Ever since Pope Francis announced the WYD of Panama 2019, Panamanians and foreigners have not hesitated to give their support in its preparation, with the objective that young people all over the world live an experience of a true encounter with Jesus.

At the Basilica of Don Bosco in Panama there are 234 people who have accepted the call to service, dividing themselves into commissions: accommodation, transport, ecology, administration, logistics, catechesis, health, technical support and communication. Volunteers prepare themselves on an organizational and spiritual level, receiving formation and training, subdivided into four modules: general information of the WYD, history of the Panamanian Church, service and civilization.

Fpr its part, the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Panama (ITDB) hosts 1,100 pilgrims from Salesian circles. The first of these pilgrims began to arrive as early as last Friday, January 18, all greeted with a warm welcome, ovations, songs and applause. "Having the house full of these young people is a dream come true. We have been preparing for your arrival for a long time, with joy and enthusiasm. We want you to feel at home!," said Fr Alex Figueroa, Director of ITDB, during Sunday Mass celebrated specifically for the young.

"Being here is beautiful. It does not matter if we come from different countries. We are all 'Salesians' and this is enough to be friends, to be a family. Panama welcomed us with great affection and joy," said Marco Andino, Coordinator of the Honduran delegation.

The Salesian News Agency (ANS) has sent a team to Panama to follow the event. Timely information on WYD, the meetings of the Holy Father, the appointments of the Rector Major with the SYM and Salesian activities will be published on the news website, on the agency's Facebook page (which will host live broadcasts) and on other social networks. Photos will be uploaded to ANSFlickr.

For general information on WYD: https://panama2019.pa/en/home/ 

To see what has been achieved since Pope Francis announced the Panama WYD 2019: https://www.flickr.com/photos/panama2019/page1 

"To place oneself at the service of others," said the Holy Father in his message to the young people participating in WYD 2019, "does not just mean being ready for action; we must also engage in dialogue with God, in an attitude of listening, as Mary did."

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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