January 30, 2019
Global 'symphony' of WYD challenges nationalism, walls, Pope Francis says
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN – The joyous harmony of people coming together from so many different nations for World Youth Day stands in sharp contrast to today's "sad" situation of confrontational nationalist feelings, Pope Francis said.
January 29, 2019
Jean Ko Din in Panama: WYD leaves behind a wealth of memories
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic Register
Packing up after a pilgrimage, you sort through the souvenirs you’ll bring home. They are reminders of friends made, marvels witnessed and lessons discovered along the way.
January 29, 2019
Pope Francis calls on youth lead the way for Church and community
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic Register
PANAMA CITY – Jesus is a God of now, Pope Francis told a crowd of more than 600,000 young people at World Youth Day in Panama.
January 24, 2019
Pilgrim’s diary: We’re here, and we’re ready
By Rachel Wong, Catholic Register SpecialPANAMA CITY — I stood on a stage, looking out over a sea of young pilgrims. I had seen such crowds before, but never with such profound diversity. Flags representing countries from all over the world waved under the hot Panama sun. Despite the heat, there was a great sense of excitement and great expectation.
Shona Mass is a little bit of home for Zimbabweans in Edmonton
By Thandiwe Konguavi, Canadian Catholic NewsEDMONTON – On a wintry Sunday morning in an Edmonton church, Eve Masenda ties a blue chitenge — an African sarong-like garment — around her daughter’s waist before Mass begins.
January 28, 2019
As WYD Panama closes, Pope urges volunteers to keep serving
By Catholic News Service
PANAMA CITY – Just before leaving the physical and human warmth of Panama Jan. 27, Pope Francis stopped to thank the thousands of official volunteers, young and old, gathered at the capital city's Rommel Fernandez Stadium to tell them that they had just participated in an event similar to one that took place early in Christianity.
January 27, 2019
World Youth Day 2022 will be in Portugal
By Catholic News Service
PANAMA CITY – Lisbon, Portugal, will open its doors to the world's young people in 2022 for the next World Youth Day.
January 27, 2019
Locals shows solidarity with Nicaraguan, Venezuelan pilgrims en route to World Youth Day vigil
By Catholic News Service
PANAMA CITY – As thousands of pilgrims streamed through the neighborhood of Las Acacias en route to the World Day Youth vigil, those from Nicaragua and Venezuela received special cheers and applause as they carried the flags of their respective countries.
January 27, 2019
Be 'influencers' for God, imitate Mary, Pope urges at World Youth Day vigil
By Catholic News Service
PANAMA CITY – Although Mary would not be considered an "influencer," like many social media personalities, she still became the most influential woman in history by trusting "in the love and promises of God, the only force capable of making all things new," Pope Francis told young people at the World Youth Day prayer vigil Jan. 26.
January 27, 2019
U.S. pilgrim questions Pope on abuse crisis during lunch in Panama
By Catholic News Service
PANAMA CITY – While sharing a private lunch with pilgrims from around the world, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy and emphasized the need for unity and prayer, a U.S. pilgrim said.
January 26, 2019
Church wounded by sin causes doubt in our mission, Pope Francis tells Panama clergy, laity
By Catholic News Service
PANAMA CITY – A church wounded by sin can paralyze, confuse and tire the hearts of Catholic clergy and laypeople, causing them to doubt their mission in the modern world, Pope Francis said.