THE CNMI will send 40 delegates led by Bishop Ryan Jimenez to the World Youth Day celebration in Lisbon, Portugal this August.
World Youth Day or WYD is a worldwide encounter with the Pope and is held about every three years in a different country. The most recent WYD was celebrated in Panama City, Panama on Jan. 22-27, 2019.
A triennial event organized by the Catholic Church and described as a festive encounter centered on Jesus Christ for young people from all over the world, World Youth Day was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The pontiff announced the institution of World Youth Day on Dec. 20, 1985 and it was first officially celebrated in 1986 in Rome.
The CNMI delegates, who represent the parishes on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, went on a retreat Saturday as part of their preparations for the trip.
Diocesan Youth Coordinator Tiava To’omota, who attended the 2019 WYD in Panama, said, “This is the first time we are sending a big delegation like this…. Our primary religion here is Catholicism and it is an honor to represent the Marianas and meet other Catholics from all over the world.”
She said WYD is an opportunity for local residents, especially the youth, to experience the universality of the Catholic Church, to deepen their faith and grow closer to Christ.
She said through the WYD, the youth will learn to create Christ-centered youth programs, events, and activities in their parishes.
Before the seven-day event, the CNMI delegates will also visit different churches and attend various conferences.
In addition, they will undergo spiritual, mental and physical preparation.
“We have team-building activities to strengthen the team,” To’omota said.
One of the CNMI delegates, 17-year-old Joshua Socorro who has been an active member of the St. Jude Parish since he was a child.
“I feel excited to attend the WYD,” he said. “I know that it will be a great milestone.”
For Socorro, the youth today face “a lot of things going on around us that distract us from having a relationship with God and focusing on what is truly important in our lives.”
He hopes to share his experiences in Portugal with the island youth once he returns to Saipan.
“My message to the youth is to turn to God,” he said. “It is never too late…. Turn to Him now, it doesn’t matter how bad you have been or what you have done — it is never too late. He will lead you to the right direction.”
Brinae Cruz, who is from San Antonio, said she wants to learn how other Catholics from all over the world practice their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
“Hopefully when I come back, I…can encourage the youth in our community to attend church and turn to God,” she said. “There is more to church than just praying. There are other good things and fun things such as meeting new friends.”
She added, “My message to my fellow youth is to grab good opportunities that are given to you for you to grow as an individual.”
The church and the delegates themselves are paying for their trip to Portugal.
Local students are among the CNMI delegates participating in the World Youth Day celebration in Lisbon, Portugal this August.
