Satellite Links Canadian and Roman Students in View of World Youth Day

1,700 Participate in Event for Toronto

ROME, MAY 10, 2002 (Zenit.org).- More than 1,700 youths in Toronto and some 1,000 in Rome were connected by satellite to celebrate a "University Day for Toronto" in preparation for World Youth Day.

The event Wednesday was organized by Rome's La Sapienza University, the Canadian Embassy to the Vatican, and Rome's Office of University Pastoral Care.

On the other side of the Atlantic were students of the University of Toronto who will welcome their Roman colleagues in July for World Youth Day www.wyd2002.org. Paolo Martelli spoke on behalf of his Canadian fellow students: "We will see each other when you come."

"Together, we will take Jesus to all environments," Martelli added.

Father Thomas Rosica, director of the World Youth Day Canadian organizing committee, said: "Come, we are not lacking in space here."

From Rome, Monsignor Cesare Nosiglia, vice director of the diocese, sent greetings from the local Church: "This afternoon's meeting lays a bridge between us and you. We are united by the same enthusiasm but above all by our faith in Jesus Christ."

The Pope was not absent from the event. The screens transmitted his greetings at the end of the general audience, to those who made the linkup possible.

Speaking in French, the Holy Father said that the "risen Christ is the salt of the earth and the light of the world." Christ "will give us the strength and joy to continue our daily mission," he said.

Then, speaking in English, John Paul II told Canada's youth: "I hope to see many Canadians at the World Youth Day. Coming together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will commit yourselves to being the salt of the earth and the light of the world." The Pope's words were met with prolonged applause from Toronto.

Giuseppe D'Ascenzo, rector of La Sapienza University, and Robert Birgeneau, his counterpart at the University of Toronto, were the hosts, together with the Canadian ambassador to the Vatican, Wilfrid Guy Sicari.

Among the speakers were Kiko Argüello, founder of the Neocatechumenal Way; and Salvatore Martinez, coordinator in Italy of Renewal in the Spirit.

University professors and students also addressed the meeting. From Canada, Dyanne Affonso emphasized the importance of fostering "cultural spirituality." Bill Sullivan urged the study of bioethics "to promote the culture of life." On behalf of Roman students, Massimo Romeo encouraged the involvement of "all youth with the enthusiasm that the Pope transmits to us."

Lastly, Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, said: "The trip to Toronto has begun. Let's prepare ourselves by listening to the Word of God and prayer."

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10. mai 2002