Catholic youths attend rally in Germany

And then there were eighty. That’s right, this afternoon eighty Belizeans left the country bound for Cologne, Germany and World Youth Day 2005. According to one of the organisers, Sister Marilyn Panton, the event was one of the last acts sanctioned by the late Pope John Paul the second and includes the latest information and technology for young Roman Catholics living in the twenty-first century. This afternoon the American Airlines terminal of the P.G.I.A. was a bustle of excited youths and their parents, many of whom had been planning the trip for two years. Panton says while the participants will be missing the first four days of the new school year, the trip will definitely be worth it.

Sr. Marilyn Panton, Organizer, Belize Delegation
“Anything that a young person might want to help that person to be positive in mind, heart, and spirit. There will be many workshops, and of course in general, helping our youths to understand the young and modern mystery of our church.”

Janelle Chanona
“Will any of them be able to meet the Pope, Pope Benedict?”

Sr. Marilyn Panton
“Well definitely be able and if they know how to break the ranks, once you can get by the security, you can even shake his hands.”

The Belize delegation to Germany will return to the country on the twenty-seventh of August. It includes participants from parishes all over the country.