For months, dozens of volunteers have been working to make Panama WYD 2019 a success. Among them, there is a very special group: international volunteers. They are nine young people who have left everything aside to dedicate themselves completely to the grand event that will take place in just a few weeks.
One of them is Lana Kiara, from Brazil. She is a part of the Shalom community, a movement dedicated to the formation and evangelization of young people.
LANA KIARA VASCONCELOS
International WYD Volunteer Panama 2019
'Msgr. Ulloa learned about the community’s work in Poland where five consecrated people worked in the LOC. On one of the trips to Rome they explained it to Msgr. Ulloa and he took the initiative to invite the community to this WYD. The community’s government appointed five of us who were from different countries.'
Lana Kiara has been working in Panama since November 2017, as part of the Local Organizing Committee in the Pilgrim Service Center. She is helping Portuguese-speaking pilgrims, a task that is very much needed.
LANA KIARA VASCONCELOS
International Volunteer JMJ Panama 2019
'My job is to dedicate attention to and be in contact with the pilgrim. Their stories, difficulties, their struggles and efforts to participate in the journey has greatly strengthened my faith and my desire to serve.'
Yet, if there is one thing she will remember after having collaborated on this WYD, it is the affection the Panamanians have shown her during her time in their country.
LANA KIARA VASCONCELOS
International Volunteer JMJ Panama 2019
'I am very happy. Panama is a very welcoming country. They welcome people with their joy, their closeness, the ease of making friends, support, attention ... all that makes us feel at home.'
She says that having worked in this center has been an experience she would not hesitate to repeat. She hopes to be able to greet the pope in the traditional meeting with WYD volunteers that always takes place once the meeting is over.
