World Youth Day 2008: Archdiocese warns vs. fake delegations

The Archdiocese of Cebu has issued warning to those interested to participate in next year’s World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia not to fall prey to “bogus delegations.”

Rev. Fr. Arthur Navales, president of the Archdiocesan Commission on Youth, warned those wanted to join the 23rd WYD celebration that their office is the only authorized entity that processes all the needed documentations for the interested participants.

During the 2005 WYD celebration, some participants failed to join the Philippine delegation to Cologne, Germany after they availed of the services of a booking group which failed to deliver their services.

Some of the delegates then sought the assistance from the Cebu Provincial Board to ask for damages for the hassles, failed trip and ticket refunds.

Navales said those who wish to participate in the event should only inquire at the office of the Commission on Youth in every parish or directly at the Archdiocesan Commission on Youth, 2nd Floor of the Patria Building.

He said the office is the only authorized by the Episcopal Commission on Youth-National Secretariat for Youth Apostolate Manila to facilitate the applicants from the parishes in Cebu province.

“Kining opisina mao ang gitagaan og katungod sa pagmugna og delegasyon sa Sugbo diha sa pagpanawat ug paghikay sa aplikasyon alang niining kalihukan sa Simbahang Katoliko,” Navales said.

He said it is necessary that the participant must already be active since he is expected to share what he learned with other youths when he gets back.

Attending the WYD celebration, Navales said, is a pilgrimage of faith and not a tour or an excursion.

The Archdiocese of Cebu started sending a delegation to the WYD in 1995 when it was held in Manila.

The first WYD participated by the Cebu Archdiocese outside the country was in 1997 in Paris, France, then in Rome, Italy, during the Jubilee Year celebration in 2000.

Cebu also participated in 2002 in Toronto, Canada.

WYD 2008 is seen by the organizers to be the largest gathering of young people from throughout the world to meet and experience hospitality and the love of God.

The young people will have an opportunity to rediscover their baptismal calling and the centrality of the sacraments of the Eucharist and reconciliation.

It will be the first time for Pope Benedict the XVI to visit Australia, the “Southern Land of the Holy Spirit”.  — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP