Forgiveness Park: 250 confessionals for World Youth Day

Journées mondiales de la jeunesse de Panama 2019. Le 22 janvier, la veille de l'arrivée du pape François, les pèlerins se confessent dans le « Parc du pardon ».

Daniel Esparza - published on 01/24/19

World Youth Day is underway in Panama, and scores of youth are seeking the sacrament of reconciliation.

When thousands of young people approach the sacrament of forgiveness, you know things are going well. This is how World Youth Day 2019 started this last Tuesday, in Panama. The opening mass gathered some 75,000 attendees, most of them coming from Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Poland.

Read more:
40,000 Register for WYD in first week

Also, “Forgiveness Park”, entirely dedicated to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in the Omar Park, the largest urban garden of the capital, opened Tuesday. The 250 confessionals, painted with the official colors of the event, will be open until Friday. These were built by prisoners from the La Joya and Nueva Joya prisons, and installed in this large urban area.

Approaching God’s mercy

Hundreds of young people eager to receive the sacrament of reconciliation flooded the park: long queues at the confessionals were seen all throughout the day. Pilgrims can access the sacrament in any of the five official languages of WYD, as well as in sign language.

Confessionals were also installed in several shopping centers in Panama City, such as Westland Mall, Megamall, and Metromall.

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Donate now!