(ANS – Santiago) – About a hundred, mostly young, people from Salesian works in Chile are on their way to take part in World Youth Day (WYD) which is taking place in Madrid from 16 to 21 August. They are part of the national delegation from Chile.

The representatives of the Archangel Gabriel Province of Chile at WYD, split into several groups, are young people who work as youth leaders in oratories, parishes and schools, and who play an active part in various youth groups and the Salesian Youth Movement. There are 87 young people, 5 Salesian Priests, and 8 lay adults.

Each Salesian group has organised its own itinerary. Some arrived in Europe a week early to take part in cultural, religious and recreational events before joining the rest of the Chilean delegation which numbers 2181 signed up for WYD. Yesterday, 10 August, there was a first Chilean national gathering at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and a second is planned for 14 August.

Today some of the Chilean national delegation will be guests of the San Sebastián diocese in Spain and take part in a Latin-American celebration. On 13 August there will be the Feast of the Nations at the Sanctuary of Loyola, with about 8000 pilgrims expected.
 
One of the Salesians with the Chilean group remarked: "The young people are motivated by the idea of being part of something which generates such enthusiasm for Jesus among those of their own age. Their participation is the fruit of a process with has inspired others. In addition, the universality of the Catholic faith encourages us to get to know the delegations from other countries."

Published 11/8/2011