PANAMA – Sister Frances Zajac, FSE and Sister Sophia Peters, FSE send greetings from World Youth Day in Panama! The Sisters, along with priest-chaplain, Father Glen Dmytryszyn, Parochial Vicar of St. John Bosco Parish, Branford, Connecticut, and nine young adults from Connecticut and Michigan left the Franciscan Motherhouse in Meriden on Wednesday, Jan. 23 for their flights to Panama City. The theme of the 34th World Youth Day 2019 is, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).
The Franciscan Sisters’ group is being hosted by Sister Sophia’s cousin and his family (see photo above). The Sisters report that they have received a warm welcome, are being well-fed and enjoying the local culture. On Thursday they joined the 200,000 other young people for the Welcoming Ceremony with Pope Francis. A highlight of the days ahead will be the Saturday overnight prayer vigil followed by the closing Mass with Pope Francis on Sunday.