The Holy Land is preparing for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro

Jerusalem, 11 May 2013: On 13 July, 95 Israeli youth and 20 Palestinian youth will take off from the Holy Land for Brazil to attend the XXVIII edition of the World Youth Day, which this year will be held in Rio. Pope Francis, too will make his first apostolic visit to attend the same program. Bishop Shomali, Bishop of Jerusalem and Patriarchal Vicar for Palestine will accompany this group of young people from Israel, Bethlehem, Ramallah, joined by Don Aziz Halaweh, ecclesial assistant for youth in Palestine and the parish priest of Taybeh.

The delegation will have a stop in the vicinity of Rio for a week of spiritual and cultural preparation before meeting with the Holy Father. The group will be welcomed by the Diocese of Niteroi (in the state of Rio de Janeiro) with the support of the Lieutenancy of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Brazil. The bishop of Jerusalem, accompanied by Don Aziz, will also meet with the group Cançao nova TV for the forthcoming launch of the Christian radio station in Taybeh.

Among catechesis, cultural visits and meetings, the delegation of the Holy Land will also experience a full week of intense moments that lead up to the four major events planned with the new pontiff.

To best prepare in advance for this World Youth Day in Rio, the 115 young members of the Holy Land are invited to attend these meetings as provided for in Ramallah in the coming weeks.
Source: VR Sedoc