Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lome (Agenzia Fides)- “We welcome with open hearts and arms the World Youth Day Cross Christ, may it take root in our cultures, traditions and society so the people of Togo realise they are brothers and sisters who can live in peace” said Archbishop Philippe F. Kpodzro of Lome as he welcomed the World Youth Day Cross on its pilgrimage in Africa.
The arrival of the WYD Cross and the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary which accompanies it, was celebrated on 12 June at Christ the King church at Kodjoviakopé, in the capital Lome, in the presence of Archbishop Kpodzro, Fr Christian Agbelekpo, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and many priests, religious and lay people including a delegation of young Catholics from Ghana, led by Fr. Charles Poku, national youth chaplain. In fact the two religious symbols arrived from Ghana and earlier had been at the frontier met with great enthusiasm by hundreds of people including many non Christians.
In his address Archbishop Kpodzro recalled the significance of the Cross in the history of Salvation, from the Moses intercession for the people of God to the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Lome diocesan Youth Leader Justine Mathey said the arrival of the Cross in Togo was a Grace for all the people of Togo suffering because of a difficult political, social and economic situation.
This symbol of Christ’s love for humanity was first handed over to young people by Pope John Paul II in 1984 in front of more than 300,000 young people gathered for Youth Day on Palm Sunday, during special Holy Year of the Redemption 1983-1984 to mark the 1950th year since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/6/2006 righe 33 parole 330)
