CBCP notes decline in number of World Youth Day 2013 pilgrims

January 17, 2013 12:00pm


There may be fewer Filipinos attending this year's World Youth Day in Brazil compared to those who attended last year's event in Spain, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Thursday.

Citing its records, the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Youth said only 15 groups or 400 pilgrims expressed intention to join the WYD under the its ECY-Philippines delegation.

ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said a top reason may be financial considerations, noting the Manila-Rio de Janeiro-Manila trip roughly costs $3,000 (P122,220), with a "missionary rate" of $2,500 (P101,850).

In contrast, a WYD trip from Manila to Madrid and back cost a mere $1,500 (P61,110).

“There are many practical considerations. And we know for a fact that nobody can travel for free or without cost,” he said in a CBCP news report.


ECY Philippines is the official country delegation to the WYD. It is considered the biggest Filipino contingent based on pilgrim numbers during the past WYDs.

Comparison to 2012


The CBCP said this year’s pilgrim statistics paled in comparison to WYD Madrid, which had at least 40 subgroups with more than 1,000 initial applicants.

Last year's applicants were trimmed down to 400 actual pilgrims.

On the other hand, Garganta said the number of pilgrim-applicants can still increase or decrease with the upcoming deadline of submission of the credentials to be part of the delegation on January 31.

He said young Filipinos interested to participate in the WYD still have time to contact their parochial or diocesan youth coordinators and the ECY on how to join.

“For those of you who feel the urge to join the WYD, the ECY is still offering subgroup orientation for WYD 2013,” he added.

The 27th WYD is slated on July 17 to 28 in Brazil with the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro as the host diocese.

The details on the venue and schedule of the different events of the WYD and the pilgrims’ transportation, accommodation, security and meals are on the “process of polishing.” Garganta said. - VVP, GMA News