Panamá. World Youth Day takes place in Panama on January 22-27, 2019 on the theme: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1: 38), and is more greatly awaited than a soccer match.
The main objective of World Youth Day is to favor a unique and special encounter between the Holy Father and the youth of the whole world. The young people are the principal protagonists at WYD and will have many special times with the Holy Father, among which the Way of the Cross, the Vigil, and adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Few events in the world bring together participants coming from so many countries as does WYD. For the 2019 event, pilgrims of 150 nationalities have registered. Together all of them, independently of their flag or language, will participate in the activities: praying, singing, dancing, and celebrating Holy Mass with their witness of love and welcome.
In many dioceses of Panama, numerous youth groups are living the experience of Pre-WYD: sharing pastoral experiences, prayers, songs, visits to holy places.
For the Salesian Family, and especially for the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of the Angels Province of Central America South (CAR), it is a privileged time for welcoming the pilgrims to Mary Help of Christians House, Social Work on San José, founded by Blessed Sr. Maria Romero in 1954, and the encounter with the indigenous young people of the Darién-Panamá community who share their culture with the youth of other Nationalities at the World Meeting of Indigenous Youth.
Many pilgrims coming from different countries like Brazil, England, Dominican Republic, have made a stop at the House of Blessed Maria Romero, alternating times of prayer, study, knowledge, and gratitude to Mary and Blessed Sister María Romero.
The guided visit to the Chapel of Mary Help of Christians, to the Marian room, to the Museum of Sr. María Romero, and to the Mausoleum of Blessed Sr. María Romero seeks to provide a profound experience of encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist, Mary Help of Christians, Blessed Sister Maria Romero and her witness of holiness.
