The Marian accent gave a very beautiful spiritual note to this WYD

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, was present at the 34th World Youth Day, in January 2019, in Panama. Touched in many ways by this large event that has galvanized young people and strengthened their faith, he shared his impressions:

"WYD is a wonderful achievement in terms of organization, participation, and the young people’s enthusiasm ... I also think that the Marian accent, after a three years preparation that had a Marian theme, gave a very beautiful spiritual note to this WYD and brought participants to the center of the faith, with the example of Mary and with a sense of her presence. It was a perfect choice for Latin America, because Our Lady has been instrumental in bringing unity to this continent.

Finally, it is one of the WYDs with the highest motivation level we have seen, in the sense that young participants had to overcome many challenges. Some had to turn back because they could not cross Central America, for different reasons. But they undertook the journey with energy and faith, and they gave a testimony of young people who believe and want to be missionaries. And the Holy Father told them in very strong terms that they represent not just the future, but truly the present, that they are the today of God."

Vatican News

Interview by Manuella Affejee, special envoy to Panama City