The
participation of Cambodian Youth at the WYD 2008 Sydney is
another opportunity “to tell the story of Jesus in our lives”, an
evangelisation strategy of the Church in Cambodia. A WYD fever has
developed among youth and their ministers that has already seen
four meetings and two preparatory seminars organised to prepare
themselves in
this meaningful encounter with the Pope and the young at WYD 2008
Sydney in July.
Forty three (43) pilgrims from three apostolic
vicariates accompanied by four priests, two sisters and three adult
leaders make up the group. Leading the group is Fr. Leo Ochoa sdb, a
veteran of four WYD encounters. He has been delegated by Bishop Emile
Destombes, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Cambodia. Fr Leo
comments on the special nature of this group "because of the three
mobility-impaired pilgrims joining the group in wheel-chairs and/or
artificial
wooden legs. In addition, some Buddhist youth complement the 'unity and
diversity' of the group".
During the WYD 2008 Fever,
the Cambodian youth will also share a taste of their culture with
traditional performance in Melbourne Sydney and Manila during SYM
organized youth events. This Cambodian participation has been made
possible thanks to the generosity of Catholic organisations and
partly from solidarity funds provided by the Pontifical Council for
the Laity, Vatican City. Supported and encouraged by this ecclesial
financial cooperation and solidarity, Cambodian youth will make the
best of WYD2008 by broadening their faith horizons and experiences so
as to become faithful signs and bearers of hope to modern Cambodia.
