The Fifth National Youth Gathering Has Begun in Poprad, Bringing the City to Life with Thousands of Young People
Before the official programme began, a press conference was held with Bishop Tomáš Galis, Chairman of the Council for Youth and Universities of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference; Bishop František Trstenský, Bishop of Spiš; Fr. Matúš Reiner, Secretary of the Council for Youth and Universities of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference; and Gabriela Budzáková, the City of Poprad’s chief coordinator for the National Youth Gathering (NSM). During the press conference, the young people thanked the guests by presenting them with symbolic gifts – volunteer T-shirts – as a sign of gratitude for their support in organising the event.
The programme officially began at 4:00 p.m. with an opening ceremony led by Sister Lamiya, a Salesian sister. The young participants then watched a visual theatre performance depicting Adam and Eve, performed by Martin and Andrea Toman, accompanied by music by Norbert Daniš. This was followed by an aerial acrobatics performance by Kristína Pašková. Young people also shared their testimonies, together with Fr. Marián Brezňan, who serves in the Community of God the Father in Pinkafeld. The programme continued with dance and musical performances by DJ Damian Custom, rapper dawidd, and Katarína Jura.
The gathering then reached one of its highlights with Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, President of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, who welcomed and greeted all the young participants at the beginning of the celebration. The homily was delivered by Bishop František Trstenský of Spiš. He encouraged the young people to recognise God’s presence in every part of their lives:
“Jesus is not a distant God. He wants to enter your life. And why? Because He loves you. And Jesus is not afraid. He is not afraid to stand up for you; He is not afraid even to weep for you.”
Friday’s programme concluded with the Way of Light, featuring 14 artistically presented scenes depicting events following the Resurrection of Jesus.
The organisers have also prepared a rich programme for Saturday. At 9:00 a.m., there will be the OŽ! catechesis and testimonies, followed by outdoor activities at 11:00 a.m. At 1:00 p.m., the Vocations EXPO will open, featuring 80 stands representing women’s and men’s religious orders and other Christian institutions near the Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows. There will also be opportunities for participants to get involved in activities serving people in need.
Saturday’s programme will culminate in a Greek Catholic Divine Liturgy at 5:00 p.m. in the Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows, followed by Eucharistic Adoration at 8:30 p.m. in the Arena.
More information about the event is available on the National Youth Gathering website.
Reported by: Alžbeta Šutková
Photos: Damian Stieber
