Kadena teens engage in World Youth Day activities Published July 31, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- Teenagers from Kadena Air Base recently took part in a gathering of 220,000 Catholic pilgrims during the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. More than 30 dependents and military members traveled 4,000 miles for a week-long series of events and festivities designed to inspire Catholic youth and encourage them to spread their faith. They had the opportunity to hear Pope Benedict XVI speak at the Papal Mass on the last day of the event. The Pope urged the attending youths to be the peacemakers of the world and work together to spread their faith, said Maria Lonergan, Catholic Youth Activity coordinator for the18th Wing chapel. Every three years, a different country hosts World Youth Day, inviting Catholic youth to strengthen their faith and spread the news of their faith to the world. "It was amazing during World Youth Day to interact with so many people," said Shelley Carns, 17, daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Ricky Carns, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron programs flight chief. The impressive thing to see was the spiritual strength from coming together as one universal faith, she added. "What I realized is that a half a million people with the same belief celebrate mass in the same traditions and customs," said Zachary Hornberger, 16, son of Capt. Donna Hornberger, 18th Operations Group, aeromedical evacuations branch chief. The youth group headed home after a two-week trip and received a warm welcome Sunday when they arrived back at Kadena. "We were greeted by our friends from the chapel, and they heard the youth group give great testimonies about their experiences," said Mrs. Lonergan. The $40,000 trip was made possible through fundraising, donations from the American Women's Welfare Association and contributions from the families.