7th Asian Youth Day inaugurated with Mass in
Yogyakarta
(Vatican Radio) The 7th Asian Youth Day (AYD7) kicked
off with a colourful concelebrated Mass Wednesday evening in Yogyakarta,
Indonesia, in a colourful and festive show of unity around Christ and his
Gospel amidst the continent's diverse cultures and peoples.
After four days of the preliminary ‘Days in the Dioceses’ (DID) live-in programme in 11 Indonesian dioceses, July 30- August 2, the over 2000 young Catholics from 21 countries converged in Yogyakarta, the cultural and intellectual heartland of Indonesia. The 7th Asian Youth Day on the theme “Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia,” will conclude on Aug. 6.
After four days of the preliminary ‘Days in the Dioceses’ (DID) live-in programme in 11 Indonesian dioceses, July 30- August 2, the over 2000 young Catholics from 21 countries converged in Yogyakarta, the cultural and intellectual heartland of Indonesia. The 7th Asian Youth Day on the theme “Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia,” will conclude on Aug. 6.
Youth participants had begun pouring in at Yogyakarta’s
government facility, Jogja Expo Centre (JEC), since early morning,
August 2. After lunch the various national contingents began celebrating
with songs and performances and shared their DID experiences of living with
local families in dioceses, in preparation for the Eucharistic celebration.
The inaugural AYD7 Mass, that
was streamed
live by organizers, was presided over by Bangladeshi Cardinal
Patrick D’Rozario of Dhaka, chairman of the Office of Laity and Family
of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, under which comes the Youth
Desk that organizes the AYD in collaboration with the country’s bishops’
conference body and its youth commission. Joining Card. D’Rozario at the
altar were 52 bishops, including 6 cardinals and 158 priests.
Among the concelebrants were SYD host Archbishop Robertus Rubiyatmoko of
Semarang, Indonesian bishops’ president, Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo of
Jakarta and President of Indonesian bishops’ Youth Commission, Bishop Pius
Riana Prapdi of Ketapang.
Card. D’Rozario began his homily singing a few lines from
the hymn, “Rejoice in the Lord always….” setting the mood of his reflection on
the theme of the AYD7– “Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural
Asia.” The young people, many in traditional dress and country t-shirts
and holding their country flags, joined in with rhythmic clapping accompanied
by the piano. The cardinal explained that the reason for their
joy was that Jesus loves them, despite their unworthiness and sinfulness.
He said when they feel sad or without joy, it is then that Jesus loves
them most. Jesus loves them by calling them, choosing them and sending
them out to mission, to proclaim His love, mercy, compassion and
healing to others.
Card. D’Rozario compared the AYD gathering to the Pentecost
where people of diverse cultures, languages, ethnic groups and nations of Asia
were one in the Holy Spirit who manifests Himself in a variety of gifts.
The Holy Spirit was inviting them all to celebrate their oneness
of faith, life and mission at the WYD.
After dinner, the AYD7 was officially launched with a
variety programme in which the participating countries showcased thier cultural
richness.
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