Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) – Preparation completed, the day of departure is close. A group of young Cambodian Catholics filled with emotion, hope and expectations, is ready to travel to Sydney to take part in World Youth Day from 15 - 20 July 2008.
Having completed a path of spiritual preparation, catechesis, prayer meetings, discussion and Bible study, the young boys and girls are now anxious to live the experience of WYD. Material preparation consisted of working to earn the money for the journey. Besides having the opportunity to listen to young Australians, they studied the continent's history and geography and meditated on the special Message written for this WYD by Pope Benedict XVI.
The delegation of about 50 young people from Phnom Penh, Battambang andi Kompong Cham, will be led by Salesian Father Leo Ochoa, animator of a large community of Catholic boys and girls in Phnom Penh. “I am certain it will be a wonderful opportunity for them which could change their lives”, the Salesian says.
The young Cambodians will share their culture and dancing and music with the other young participants from all over the world at a World Youth Festival in Sydney during the week of WYD.
Considering that Cambodia lived dark years of Red Khmer dictatorship and religious freedom returned in the early 1990s, the enthusiasm of these young Cambodian Catholics is a promise for the future of the local Church. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/6/2008 righe 25 parole 259)
