[Vince Ferrer]

Vince, I think the original writer meant has there been a problem in the past with large numbers of kids engaging in sex at these gatherings.

Actually, yes, that is what I meant. Have there been problems with the young people at WYD engaging in sexual activities during the gathering? I wouldn't think there would be.

Oh, well that's entirely different. Nevermind.

Ok, then I'll answer the real question. No, the kids having sex is not a problem at World Youth Days. Almost all of your time is taken up by events. You sleep out in open fields with basically no privacy. Most of these people are in groups sent by their churches in an organized way, with chaperones. There simply isn't the opportunity. Handing out condoms is just a tastless publicity stunt, like offering free abortions if your husband was killed in the World Trade Center attack

[Siobhan]

Handing out condoms is just a tastless publicity stunt, like offering free abortions if your husband was killed in the World Trade Center attack

Precisely, Vince, it is a publicity stunt, but it is also a stunt with a distinct diabolical odor.

[sneakers]

My son, Nate, is going to WYD. We went to a meeting for the pilgrims and chaperones last week and, trust me, they will be well-chaperoned. The young people who had attended a previous WYD were enthused and talked about the holiness of the event and how wonderful it was to be with so many like-minded Catholics from around the world. One young lady shared how they would start impromptu prayer groups with kids from other countries and everybody said the rosary with such joy. I envy them! How I wish I could go!
By the way, my son thought the condom thing was ridiculous. He couldn't believe these so-called Catholics were going to be handing them out. He'll be watching to see how many accept them. I can't wait to get his report after it's over! I think, personally, those "voice of the faithful (?)" folks are going to be bitterly disappointed!