PRAGUE, Czech Republic, JAN. 26, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A public fundraising campaign is under way to help youth from the Czech Republic attend World Youth Day this August in Madrid.
The Association of Christian Youth Communities, in collaboration with the Youth Section of the Czech Bishops’ Conference, started the campaign Jan. 18.
Donations will be collected through the end of September, and then used to reimburse pilgrims. Young people are also raising funds through the sale of World Youth Day memorabilia. And they are seeking sponsors in their local parishes.
Organizers of the Czech youth need to secure facilities in Spain and prepare Czech-language materials for worship and catechesis.
This is not the first public collection to benefit Czech youth. Similar programs were organized for youth events in 2007 and 2008.
The organizers of this campaign, however, seek not only to ensure economic support, but are also inviting people to pray for the Holy Father’s meeting with youth from around the world.
The bishops’ youth committee published posters and prayer cards with a prayer for this purpose.
