Kenyan delegation: WYD Panama 2019, an amazing encounter

A Kenyan delegation to the World Youth Day in Panama 2019, led by Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, who is also the Episcopal Chair of the Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate, has described their Panama experience as, “amazing.”

Rose Achiego – Nairobi, Kenya

Speaking in Panama, Archbishop Muheria described the just-ended WYD 2019 as a celebration of witness to Christ and commitment to a future that upholds God’s Values in society. “It (has been) an amazing encounter and experience,” he said. “Young people talking different languages, from different Churches yet with one common aim - to share moments together without barriers as they exchange banners (in) a show of solidarity.”

As Pope Francis said, young people are bridge builders

He reiterated Pope Francis’ message when he said there is the need for the youth to become builders of bridges, not walls, adding that it is a great lesson for Kenya and the entire world to embrace the idea of brotherhood and sisterhood. “Be welcoming not separating,” the Archbishop said.

Taking the Panama experience to Kenya

Having seen vibrancy in the young people in Panama, Archbishop Muheria said the delegation was taking this great experience back home in Kenya.

“We must graft this experience to our youth in Kenya to bring prayer and fun without fear to show our Catholic faith. Do not be afraid!” he said. “The youth are our future, and we have hope and place a lot of hope and expectation in them.”

He prayed for a strengthened youth of the world. “God bless the youth of the world, make them close to Christ and bring them to flourish in the faith,” he said, expressing a desire to replicate the same event in Kenya and Africa. He noted that the Youth have great desire to serve God and the Church needs to accompany and love them.

A disciple keeps walking

In a tweet, Archbishop Muheria reported that Pope Francis acknowledged the sacrifices faced by many of the young people in getting to Panama he reminded them that, “a disciple is not merely someone who arrives at a certain place, but one who sets out decisively, who is not afraid to take risks and keeps walking.” The great joy according to the Pope is “to keep walking.”

34th World Youth Day, 2019 was celebrated from the 22nd January to 27th 2019, under the theme "I am the Servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38)

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