Church in Zambia Seeking to “harness” WYD Experiences for Youth “pastoral model”

“We aim to establish a pastoral model for youths characterized by faith and fan, bearing in mind the dynamic nature of these young individuals,” he further says.

WYD 2023 concluded on August 6 with Pope Francis telling young Catholics not to be afraid, a call that echoed that of his predecessor and founder of the international youth gathering, St. Pope John Paul II.

In Lisbon, Pope Francis presided over Holy Mass on the Feast of the Transfiguration for an estimated 1.5 million people in Parque Tejo, where young people and their leaders had camped out overnight following a prayer vigil. Some 10,000 Priests and 700 Bishops concelebrated.

In the interview with Radio Icengelo contained in the August 28 report, Fr. Kunda says the WYD plays “a crucial role in nurturing faith and fostering a sense of community among young people.”

He adds that his office intends to collaborate with diocesan youth coordinators and others involved in youth animation to explore ways in which more youths can participate in the next WYD.

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In the report, the SDB member urges young people to “prepare ahead of time for the upcoming World Youth Days scheduled for South Korea in 2027.”

He also urges youth to “embrace the opportunity to gather, celebrate their faith, and contribute to the growing vibrancy of the Catholic Church on a global stage.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.