WYD 2013 in Rio

Bem  Vindos a Mage! This is the warm welcome from the people of Brazil in celebration of the 17th World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro with the theme “Go and Make Disciples of all Nations” (Matthew  28:19).

Last Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 3pm (2am Philippine time) the 1st batch of the Philippine Delegation under Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY-Philippines) safely arrived in Rio.

The Pilgrims were fostered in the Diocese of Petropolis, particularly in Paroquia Sao Sebastiao de Piabeta. In high spirits, the host parish celebrated a welcome Mass in Portuguese, presided by Fr. Jenalro Paz dos Santos, FDCC Parish Priest of Piabeta.

Semana Missionaria (Missionary Week) is the pre-WYD activity in Rio starting from July 16-21.

The host parish prepared a series of group dynamics, and animations, to energize and to build camaraderie with the rest of the pilgrims. Together with the Philippine delegation are the pilgrims from Venezuela.

A total of 179 pilgrims are from the Philippines, and 11 of these are from the Archdiocese of Davao.

by Marjorie Joy D. Olea