By Fr Will Matthews, SDB
Provincial Australia-Pacific
Panama, 23 January 2019 -- World Youth Day 2019 in Panama is rather lower scale than the previous world events if just numbers are taken into account. Moreover the distance from the EAO provinces and the relative cost makes it more difficult for our SYM groups to participate. Probably the most consistent EAO group is the Australia SYM pilgrim team headed by Fr William Mathews (Provincial of Australia - Pacific) who, with two other Salesians, accompanies a group of to young pilgrims.
Total number at Panama 2019 WYD:
- 300,000 young people expected at the final event
- 2,200 young Salesians already registered for the event
- Approximately 3,500 Salesian pilgrims expected
- 190 countries of origin
- 500 bishops from all over the world
- 4,000 journalists
- 1,000 indigenous youth
On the way to Panama on January 16 the Australian SYM group stopped over in Southern California, and visited St Bridget Chinese Catholic Church, Los Angeles. Fr John Lam SDB, pastor of St Bridget's, lay mission partners and parishioners welcomed them. Then the SYM group experienced Tijuana (border city on the USA-Mexican boarder with seven large Don Bosco Oratories and facilities for refugees and migrants.
Now already in Panama with the Rector Major and other General Coucillors our SYM is enjoying the festive mode and strong Salesian touch of this special WYD. Indeed Don Bosco is among the main Patrons of this WYD, the casket with the relics of Don Bosco is also in the Panama Shrine of St John Bosco - since he is among the most popular Saints in this small Central American country. So far they have met the South Korean SYM and some individual Salesians.
Each World Youth Day is different, this time maybe fewer crowds, but more quality. The enthusiasm of young Catholics from the American continent living in quite challenging life conditions is very contagious. The WYD pilgrims learn on the streets, at the Vocation Fair, from attractive prayer and faith-sharing gatherings and simply share their enthusiasm and joy with young people from all five continents.
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