India to host next Asian Youth Day in 2020

Aug 24, 2017

YOGYAKARTA: Bishops in India have accepted the responsibility to host the 2020 Asian Youth Day (AYD). The venue will be decided by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

The announcement was made by Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai Aug 6, at the end of the seventh Asian Youth Day concluding Mass. The cardinal had presided over the Mass, the Vatican Radio reported.

Cardinal Gracias, along with the Indian Church officials and some of the Indian youth delegation, received the simple AYD cross, made of bamboo, from their Indonesian counterparts in Yogyakarta, where the AYD7 concluded.

India will be hosting the AYD for the second time in 2020. India had hosted the continental-level event in Bangalore in 2003.

Started in Hua Hin, Thailand, in 1999, the AYDs have been held in intervals of 2, 3 and 5 years.

Taipei, Taiwan hosted it in 2001, followed by Bangalore, India in 2003, Hong Kong in 2006, Imus, Philippines, in 2009 and Daejeon, South Korea, in 2014, which Pope Francis attended. --ucanindia

Below are some sharings from our Malaysian participants

Living the Gospel in Multi-cultural Asia
“I thank and Praise God for the opportunity to participate in the 7th Asian Youth Day (AYD) in Indonesia. Special thanks to my family, the Keningau Diocese Youth Commission and my friends who helped in my preparations for the AYD.

“I never thought that I would be able to participate in such a large youth event and the AYD was only a dream to me. Thank God for making my dream come true.

“I was hesitant and nervous on what I would be facing at the AYD. Moreover, it was being held in a different country. I worried whether I would be able to communicate with others and if I would be able to get along with my participants and the community at large.

“The AYD programme was divided into two sections which was Days in the Diocese (DID) and Days in the Venue (DIV).

“During the DID programme I was sent to Saint Paul, Kulibul in Bali. Hinduism is the main religion in Bali and Catholicism is one of the many minority religions there. I was touched by the openness of the Catholic community to other religions. For myself, I had always found it difficult to accept the existence of other religions. But for the community in Kulibul, different religions was not an issue; in fact, it is how they all complement each other that has made the community into what it is.

“The exposure during the DIV held in Jogjakarta made me aware of our responsibilities as a Catholic community. For a long time, my involvement as a youth was more towards the development of faith, but development in other areas was ignored. For this programme, my friends, (many from overseas), and I were sent to Sendayu Parish.

“This experience opened my eyes in understanding our Catholic responsibility which is to help society economically. The Sustainable Agriculture Programme that is practised in this parish helps to raise their economic standards, not only among the Catholics, but also for those from other faiths. Sustainable farming programmes not only increase income; it also helps and raises awareness in the care of the environment. Rice farming is eco-friendly, without the use of any poisons, pesticides or machinery. The planting of padi is done in the old traditional way. Buffaloes are used to plough the fields and I was happy to see this method still being carried on here because this way of farming is becoming extinct in the State of Sabah. The spirit of maintaining tradition is a trait that I very much admire.

“My participation in AYD has had a huge impact on my personality because it has helped me to appreciate the diversity of cultures, races and religions in the community. It has also enabled me to appreciate and foster the spirit of being family despite our differences. Thanks and praise to God. Jos! Jos!” -- Alyvideon Lajukim

Living peacefully in a diverse community
“I was very lucky to be selected as one of the participants representing the Keningau Diocese. I believe my participation in AYD is because of God’s call. Initially, I withdrew from participating due to various problems but, somehow with God’s help, the problems were resolved and I was ready to say “yes” to participate in AYD in Indonesia.

“Throughout the Days in the Diocese, I lived with a host family. It was easier for me as I was able to speak the language.

In Bali, I learned about the culture and the way of life of the Balinese people, and the history behind the arrival of the Catholics to Bali. I was lucky to be with participants from Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia and we were housed at the Parish of St Yosef, Kepundung, that has the first Catholic Church in Bali with its carved and intricate architecture.

“There are many experiences I did not expect in AYD. Among them was the participation of many Muslims who also shared their religion. The programme was well balanced in that we did not only focus on the spiritual aspects but there was also the sharing of cultures, religion and current issues that did not touch on the sensitivities of anyone.

“One aspect of the programme that inspired me is the cooperation, awareness and acceptance of everyone living together in one diverse community. The fact that the Indonesian Government also gave its full support towards the success of AYD was remarkable.

“May the friendship and family bonds continue to last even after the completion of AYD 2017 Indonesia. God bless.” --Ervina Philip