Manila (AsiaNews) John Paul We Love You. This is the title of a book dedicated to the 1995 World Youth Day, an event recognised in the 2004 Guinness World Record Guinness as the largest papal crowd of all times. The 128-page book is more visual than textual in content and form. One of its co-authors, Peachy Yamsuan (former director of the Union of Catholic Asian News or UCAN, presently media coordinator of the Archdiocese of Manila and Jesselynn de La Cruz), commissioned seven photographers to follow and immortalise the most salient moments of the event, which saw 5 million youths gather at Manila's Luneta Park.
Intended as a collector's book, the book was published thanks to funds provided by Francisco Alba, the Philippines ambassador to the Vatican, who has also decided to donate 5,000 copies to Filipino bishops for sale to interested parishioners. All the proceeds "will be given to parishes in support of charitable initiatives," said Ambassador Alba during the book's launch.
Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, bishop of Cebu, blessed the donated books. Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao, president of the Episcopal Conference, expressed his gratitude. "This book," he said, "brings back wonderful memories [about this important moment in the history of Filipino Church]. The Holy Father's visit will remain in our hearts and minds." (SE)
