杏MAP导航

By Lydia O鈥橩ane - Bratislava

Over the course of his Pontificate, 杏MAP导航 Francis has made it one of his priorities to engage with young people. Whether it be the 2018 Youth Synod, World Youth Days, or meeting with the younger generation during Apostolic Visits, the 杏MAP导航 has been a steadfast father figure.

杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� visit to Slovakia will be no exception, as the youth of the country get ready to give him a rousing reception at Ko拧ice鈥檚 Lokomotiva Stadium.

鈥淭here are great expectations for this visit鈥� and many young people want to be able to participate in the event at Lokomotiva Stadium,鈥� says Pavol Hi啪nay, communications co-ordinator for the youth event.

鈥淔or the young people, the Holy Father is a spiritual authority鈥� who the youth of Slovakia can relate to because he is 鈥渃harismatic and very open. He can get close to young people, and I think young people like listening to him.鈥�

Effects of the pandemic

Like much of Europe and beyond, Slovakia was forced to implement strict measures to deal with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many young people, this meant being away from schools and universities and switching to remote learning.

鈥淭he pandemic made the last year probably the worst year for the young people. Almost half of all pupils had to stay at home and study remotely,鈥� Mr Hi啪nay says, which 鈥渓imited their possibilities for the future鈥� and their ability to receive a proper education.

鈥淎lso many young people seek work and studies abroad, so the situation for young people at the moment is not the best. We hope for a better school year starting from September; also there are expectations for the third wave of this pandemic,鈥� he notes.

Preparation

Hi啪nay describes being involved in the organization of the youth event as 鈥渁 great honour," but very demanding and requires focus鈥�. He goes on to say that they have had only three months to organize events surrounding this visit, which would usually take one year to prepare.

With COVID-19 curbs still in place, he explains that the basic rule for taking part in any event with the Holy Father is that every person must be vaccinated.

So what can the 杏MAP导航 expect when he arrives at the Lokomotiva stadium on Tuesday afternoon? Giving a sneak preview, Mr Hi啪nay says, 鈥淭here will be a very extensive programme comprising  many artists, music groups and many spiritual activities.鈥�

The programme starts before the arrival of the Holy Father, and there will be testimonies from young people talking about their own faith experiences, and questions from young people which 杏MAP导航 Francis is expected to respond to.

Many young people, says the communications co-ordinator, are looking forward to the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 words to them.

In his 2020 diocesan World Youth Day message, 杏MAP导航 Francis invited young people to take a risk and change the world, giving their passions and dreams free rein. As the youth in Slovakia await the 杏MAP导航, perhaps this may provide a hint of what they can expect at Lokomotiva Stadium.