Lack Of English No Hindrance For WYD Delegates

Posted: 10th August 2008

PHNOM PENH (UCAN) -- The limited English ability of Cambodian delegates to the World Youth Day (WYD) program in Australia did not stop them appreciating spiritual messages from the pope and others.

Kem Thary, one of around 50 Cambodian delegates at the July 15-20 WYD 2008 celebration in Sydney, admitted she does not understand English well but said she still "learned a lot from the pope's words." The message, as she understood it, was "to be Christ's witness."

Heeding the words of Pope Benedict XVI, however, will not be easy, she said. She explained that she is a "new" Catholic living in a village in southern Cambodia where almost everyone else is a Buddhist. Her experience in Sydney was very different, and she was "so happy to be there with young people from around the world."

UCA News spoke with Thary and other delegates after their return.

Valeria Spelta, a lay missioner, confirmed that the local youths who went to Sydney "listened intently" when the pope spoke, however well they understand English, because "they love the Church." For Spelta, serving here with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, this love is the sign of unity among the men and women of different nationalities, languages and levels of knowledge who make up the Church.

Hin Rothana, of St. Joseph Parish in Phnom Penh, told UCA News he eagerly attended the catechism sessions about living in the Holy Spirit, despite language difficulty. "I cannot speak English," he admitted, but added he made many new friends "through body language."

The youth said he appreciated the music during the WYD events. "I didn't understand the lyrics, but listening to the music made me fall silent in the heart even though there were thousands of young people around me."

Yan Sokhorn, of Tapung parish in western Cambodia, observed that the WYD pilgrims from around the world had very strong faith. He pointed out that they walked nine kilometers carrying heavy bags during the Pilgrimage Walk on July 19, for the vigil with the pope, and then stayed overnight in the open before the next morning's final Mass.

"The sign of love is that there is no discrimination according to a person's material wealth or nationality," he asserted. Sokhorn also said the WYD experience helped him open his heart to others with love and hope.

A Religious delegate, Sister Srey Socheat, "was so happy when the pope arrived by boat at Sydney Harbor" on July 17. The 32-year-old Lovers of the Cross nun said the Holy Father's greetings to young people at the WYD program and all over the world touched her heart.

Moung Ros, a seminarian, could not get as close to Pope Benedict as he wanted but felt peace and happiness as he watched the pope on screen and prayed for him as well as for all seminarians in Cambodia.

"Friendship and solidarity" among youths worldwide was his main impression of the WYD celebration, the 28-year-old delegate said, adding that he would tell local youths it is young people who can make or break the Church.

Father Paul Chatchai Ruam-aram, who accompanied the Cambodian youths to Australia, found the WYD program a good opportunity for them to experience the life of the Church in another country and talk with young people from around the world.

The 36-year-old Thai missioner said he wants all members of the delegation to share their WYD experience with other young Catholics at the youth synods all three Cambodian Church jurisdictions will hold in a few weeks.

Father Chatchai recalled being touched by something the pope said: "When we see society encountering difficulties or struggles because of corruption, natural disasters and conflicts, do not feel down or hopeless. Don't forget the Holy Spirit is upon us and encourages us forever."

This "is the main point of our faith," the priest said, adding that it holds special relevance in Cambodia, after decades of war and suffering. "If these young Cambodians forget this," he added, "they will be back in sadness and despair."

Article Source: ucan