austraLasia #2209


WYD 'echo seminar' in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH: 28th July 2008 -- The WYD 2008 event still has 'aftershocks' for the Cambodian youth who attended and have only just returned to their country. Four of the sub-groups (from Phnom Penh diocese,m the two prefectures of Battambang and Kompng, and the Salesian Youth Movement SYM) are now planning an 'echo seminar' to follow up the events.
    The young people cherished the welcome, support and friendships they established with Australian youth, the fraternal moments they encountered with the youth of the world and the typical Salesian family spirit with the young at Chadstone (Melbourne) and Engadine (Sydney).  Their hearts were inflamed by the catechesis they received from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, Ireland, Bishop Daniel Flores of Michigan USA, and Bishop Patrick Dunne of Auckland, New Zealand.
    Cambodian youth were moved, too by the youthful activities at the Salesian International Youth Festival with around 2,000 youth in Melbourne, and the Asian Youth Gathering with around 10,000 youth in Sydney, where celebrations of contagious joy, prayerful songs, cultural performances and Spirit-filled testimonies of unity in diversity rolled into one.
    Above all they were amazed and renewed by encountering various Salesian youth groups from all continents as they moved around enthusiastically and cheerfully, journeying with Don Bosco and waving their Cambodian flag! with enthusiasm. Even the Rector Major at Circular Quay Station, and Bishop Precioso Cantillas at St Mary's Cathedral were amongst the watchers gazing at the huge Don Bosco flag.
    The joyful and inspiring experience did not diminish even though the Cambodian group missed the closing Papal Mass due to their flight schedule. A three-day stopover, exposure and immersion in the local Church's culture, faith and life in Salesian settings in the North Philippines Province became a post WYD event which increased their knowledge and experience in improving their evangelising witness amongst the poor and the young. "Called, gifted and sent to the Lord with joy" has become their motivation and mission to share with their youth ministries in their local Churches upon their return.

[Note: www.sdb.org will be running a month's 'focus' on WYD Salesian events with photos garnered from Melbourne and Sydney. It will appear on 1st August]
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Title: australasia 2209
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces THA-Cambodia
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2209