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FRANCE with Christopher Derige Malano

Christopher Derige Malano is the Secretary General of the Mouvement International des Etudiantes Catholiques (International Movement of Catholic Students) – Pax Romana

Originally from Hawaii, Chris is a full time missionary based in Paris who has just arrived in Sydney for WYD.

1.  What's the connection between WYD, your country and you?

Paris hosted WYD in 1997, but I was not yet living in France.  I did go to the last WYD in Cologne where I was part of the International Liturgy Group.  This experience led me to consider my vocation as a missionary to the student apostolate.  Fortunately, I am still connected to the friends I’ve made from all over the world.  It was an experience I will never forget – I am glad I didn’t let that opportunity pass.

2.  How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from your country?

There will be about 3-5,000 French youth around.

3.  What are some of the main Dioceses, cities and groups represented?

Paris, Dijon, Lille, Marseille, Lyon, and Toulouse.

4.  Will your country be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition?

Unfortunately, the pilgrims I know have poor eye-feet coordination.  France was eliminated by the Italians in the Euro2008 – we dare not risk any more humiliation.

5.  Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on?

Well, in fact, we will!  We will be gathering on Bastille Day on the Monday 14th of July.  Join us on our Fête Nationale, from 4pm - 8pm. 

It will be held at: the Sydney Convention Exhibition Centre Bayside Auditorium (SCEC4), Darling Drive, Darling Harbour.

[Check the Youth Festival Events Page at www.wyd2008.org and look under "National & Community Gatherings."

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6.  Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia - if so how many?

I’m not sure, but I’d be curious about hearing what the French-Australian accent would sound like.

7.  Any National Foods of interest?

France has a diversity of food, but internationally, we’re known for our French bread, cheese, toast, and fries.  But really, the stinkiest cheeses are usually the best tasting.  I dare you to try some!

8.  Any National Past-Times of interest?

Spending a leisurely afternoon at the café enjoying a cup of coffee.  But be careful, a cup of coffee is much more expensive at the front of the café.  

9.  Describe your country in 3 words?

Egalité, Fraternité, Liberté – and ROMANTIC!

10. What little souvenirs will your country's pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?

If you’ve got something equally interesting for a trade, there are berets, and of course the French flag pins.

Image courtesy by Francois Schnell (Creative Commons License), Flickr.