Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Panama City (Fides News Agency) - "Godspeed, and leave behind your heavy baggage so that God may strengthen your lives and Mary accompany you in this pilgrimage". With these words of encouragement the Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, addressed the over 700 people in the Official Delegation of Panamanian Pilgrims that will represent the nation at World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon.
The occasion was the Mass of Sending, celebrated on July 7th in the Santísima Trinidad parish in El Dorado, in which Panamanian bishops took part as a sign of communion with the Panamanian youths preparing for this world youth experience.
"We Panamanian bishops appreciated the great commitment shown by our youth in raising the funds that would allow them to go meet Pope Francis. They washed cars, sold sweets and used all their creativity to gather resources and undertake this journey" Ulloa said. "The trip to Lisbon implies a commitment to being good Christians and honest citizens. And, like Maria, we seek to announce by our lives that there is something new and different to do in the midst of our realities".
Accompanying the delegation, alongside Archbishop Ulloa, is Card. José Luis Lacunza, from the diocese of David, the head of Panama's Episcopal Conference's youth ministry Mons. Manuel Ochogavía, from the diocese of Kuna Yala as well as 10 priests, a deacon and 7 seminarists.
Additionally, thirty Panamanian volunteers are involved with the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Lisbon 2023.
(AP) (Fides News Agency 1/8/2023)
