St. James Church in Beit Hanina was their last stop before boarding for Panama! Now it’s almost time for the young people of the Holy Land to meet other young people from all over the world and Pope Francis! SPK2 00.00. Father Khaled Gammoh Latin Church of Zarqa – Jordan “I represent the Jordanian youth and I will escort the young people of Palestine. We are going into a single group formed in the Church of Jerusalem. We will pass on to the Pope our hopes and concerns (…). We hope to return with a new joy and inspiration to be able to bear witness to Jesus Christ, both in Jordan and in Palestine. There are 43 young people from all over the Holy Land in the group. The number is significant in relation to the number of Christians present here – 2% of the population – and the difficulties they face. Father Bashar Fawadleh Spiritual leader for Palestinian youth “Young Palestinian Christians have been present at the World Youth Day since 1985. Our presence as Christians of the Holy Land is a reflection of the presence of Jesus Christ, which is why we are ambassadors of the holy places throughout the world. As the spiritual leader of young Christians in Palestine, I wish that the meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis will embody the hope of our country and of our Church.” It is difficult to contain the emotion in the face of so many expectations! Boulos Youwakim Jericho “I’m very happy to go and meet people. Even if we don’t speak the same language, we will help each other using sign language… I’m really excited!” TAMARA ALQASSIS Beit Jala ”I hope to go and see an entire community of Christians from all over the world, where everyone is a Christian, where young people will share the same feelings, the same goals…..for me it’s very exciting…” Now we just have to pack the suitcase, which will certainly come back fuller, not only with souvenirs but with experiences which will remain forever in everyone’s heart! That’s it! See you in Panama!
Source: cmc-terrasanta.org
