Fr Michael Johnston was among young people from the Diocese of East Anglia that flew in to attend the six-day event that celebrates youngsters.
He told Premier why he wanted to go despite being one of the oldest pilgrims.
Speaking from the Central American country during Premier’s News Hour, he said: “It’s a wonderful spirit of young people, all full of Christian faith – Catholic faith, all coming together for the same purpose.
“All with great joy, friendship, all with the joy of welcoming the Holy Father – the Pope, being able to actually see him…and be with him at mass.
“If you could see the people around me – I can see flags from Australia, US, Great Britain, New Zealand – all English-speaking countries all coming together…”
This isn’t the first time Fr Michael has attended the celebration.
He first went to the event that was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985 and has gone eight times since.
WYD is celebrated at the diocesan level annually but the event is marked every two to three years in different locations.
Fr Michael Johnston speaking to Premier
Fr Michael told Premier he was pleased about this year’s choice of Panama.
“I’m finding it very friendly, the people are really pleased to see this huge crowd of young people,” he said.
“They welcome…
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