Under the banner of encounter

The Wyd is an important event also for the youth of the Czech Republic. To learn more about the Catholic Church’s preparations for the meeting, held in Sidney on July 15-20, we asked a series of questions to Vít Zatloukal, director of the Youth Pastoral Care Commission of the Czech Bishops Conference. (On the same issue see Sir Europa, 16/2008).How are the young Catholics of the Czech Republic preparing for the forthcoming Wyd 2008? How many are likely to go to Sydney? Will they take part in the days of the diocese before the Wyd? “Last year a national Youth Day was celebrated as part of the preparations for the Wyd of Sydney. The days devoted to this event in the different dioceses are under the banner of encounter. We are proposing monthly meetings for the youth based on the Pope’s message on the occasion of the Wyd. Until now, 224 youth made reservations to go to Sydney, including priests and bishops. Almost all will take part in the Days of the Dioceses, in this case in Melbourne, where they will remain July 10-14”.Will trips and stay in Australia be financially supported for example though self-financing by the youth, or will they be supported by the Church or sponsors? “Over a quarter of the expenses of each youth of the Czech Republic will be covered by the Church: approximately 1,550 Euro is the sum to be paid per participant, with the support of sponsors, parishes or dioceses. Approximately 600 Euro are granted by the Pastoral Youth Care Commission of the Czech Bishops Conference. The overall cost of 2,150 Euro is very high, only a low number of young people could afford to travel to Australia without financial aid”. What did you organize for the youth who intend to remain home but who wish to follow Australia’s events?“A meeting in Velehrad is scheduled on July 18-20 for the youth of the Czech Republic and of Slovakia. Velehrad represents the roots of our faith. Fifteen years ago Czekoslovakia was divided. This meeting is an occasion to renew and look into the relations between the youth of the two nations. A live TV-broadcast from Sydney, transmitting the arrival of the Holy Father, the vigil and the mass, will highlight the importance of the meeting. A common vigil will be held, due to the different time zone. We believe this is the most appropriate way to celebrate the Wyd”. What do you expect from the young Czechs who take part in Sydney’s Wyd? “They will witness their experience of the Church youth meeting. The fruits of this initiative will be made evident in the communities and within local churches. Some young people have been chosen to take part in the Wyd as a prize for their active participation in the Church for the youth, in their capacities as animators, cooperators of the Vicarage, and so on. Participating in the Wyd along with the experience of life with Jesus can be a point of departure for our daily work (one of these, who had taken part in the Wyd in Cologne, is currently working in the Commission for Youth Pastoral Care of the Czech Bishops Conference); others take part in one-year volunteer work for the Church or spend several years in the diocesan centres for the youth. In any case, we expect that all those who will be present in Sydney or Velehrad be responsibly committed in the development of the Kingdom of God in our local churches and in our Country”.