Asian youth to join Taize ‘Pilgrimage of Trust’ in Manila

FOLLOWING the formal launching of the Taize 'Pilgrimage of Trust' at the San Carlos Seminary last August 29, the Taize brothers are now touring various Asian countries to drumbeat the international youth meeting slated in Manila, February next year.

Brother Ghislain of Taize in a press release sent to CBCPNews said many young Asians in countries he visited have signified their interest to join the pilgrimage.

Touring Myanmar to Japan, he passed through Cambodia, East Timor, India, Singapore and other neighboring countries to invite and prepare young people for the upcoming pilgrimage of trust.

He said the situation of each country he visited was so varied from one another, but the news of the upcoming youth meeting has generated enthusiasm and hope.

“Young Timorese will join the pilgrimage,” he said upon visiting the newly independent nation and meeting with young people there.

So far, he said only those Timorese studying in Portugal had the opportunity to come to Taize. In 2007, when Taize prior Brother Alois, was in Yogyakarta, Indonesia for a student retreat, two young people came to attend.

But with the proximity of the Philippines, it is now possible for a great number of young Timorese to come and participate in the pilgrimage, the Taize brother said.

He added that Cambodia will also send a delegation of youth who will be accompanied by a Filipino missionary stationed in the country.

The Taize brother likewise met with university chaplains from Catholic, Anglican and Kyodan Churches in Japan. He noted the interest of the chaplains to participate in the international youth assembly.

To prepare the youth spiritually, a regular prayer meeting has been started in the Tokyo area and neighboring suburbs where young people can meet regularly and pray.

Brother Ghislain also conducted a retreat among students to make them ready for the pilgrimage.

He noted the many challenges as well as problems young people and foreign workers, including Filipinos in Japan now faced. The meeting in Manila, the brother hoped, will provide them a deeper understanding on the meaning of life.

Meanwhile, other countries like Singapore, India, Bangkok, New Zealand and Australia are also spearheading some activities to prepare their youth delegates who will attend the upcoming event in Manila.

Early next month, youth volunteers from Asian countries will come to Manila to reinforce the Secretariat in charge of preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage.

They will also visit the country’s different dioceses to meet with the parishes’ youth groups.