Dorota Abdelmoula-Viet – Vatican
Sharing the experience of grace
Anna Szałek is 23 years old. She comes from Warsaw. She is connected with the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga and the local parish of the Good Shepherd. As we read on the website of the National WYD Organizing Office, “volunteering is not just an adventure for her, nor an opportunity to get to know Korea. An important element of her motivation is the need to engage in the community and work for others. Since childhood, she has been involved in the Oasis formation. Later, she was involved in an academic community, and currently she belongs to an English-speaking youth community in Denmark. She is also connected with the local parish of Our Lady. This experience of various communities allows her to look at the Church as a space for encounter – regardless of language, country, or culture.” Her additional asset is also her experience of working with Koreans and her very good knowledge of foreign languages.
“I am very glad that I will be able to use my skills to support such a wonderful undertaking. And I am glad that I will be able to have this adventure precisely in Korea, because for many years I have been fascinated by its culture and I am learning this language,” Anna Szałek says in an interview with Vatican media. As she emphasizes, the desire to get involved in the preparation of the next edition of WYD is linked to her personal participation in the previous World Youth Day in Lisbon. “I experienced many graces of God there and met wonderful people, and that is why I wanted others to be able to experience this too. I am going to Korea to be able to prepare a wonderful place to praise God and feel a sense of community. I hope that this service will help not only others, but also me, so that I may grow in the grace of God.”
A Warsaw woman who captivated Korea
Reporting that Ania will join the small circle of international long-term volunteers in Seoul, the Polish National WYD Organizing Office quotes the Korean committee, which commented on her selection as follows: “We are pleased to confirm that you have been accepted into the Pilgrims Division. Throughout the recruitment process, we were impressed by your talents, experience, and openness to service. We believe that your contribution will be a valuable gift and blessing both for the Division and for the entire World Youth Day community.”
The Polish woman will begin her work in the committee on October 1st. Within the organizational structures of WYD, the Pilgrims Division plays an important role in contacts with episcopal conferences and the preparation of the stay for young people from all over the world. Ania’s service will therefore also be a valuable support for Poles heading to WYD in Seoul.
