World Youth Day 2011: Part 1

 

What started out as a desire in my heart as I read a blog post about World Youth Day in Sydney (in 2008) became reality last month when my family went to Madrid...

 

 

Jornada Mundial de la Juventud, World Youth Day, was not actually a day but six blessed days. The intention of these days was "to bring us closer to Christ" and for those who come "to meet Christ and strengthen our friendship with him."  

What a joy to see so many young people attend!  Being among them as they prayed and sang, chanted and clapped their cheers for Pope Benedict XVI was an amazing experience.  At times, walking alongside them, so energetic and joyful, I would be close to tears, but of course, that wouldn't be "cool", so I would quickly blink them away. 

What power and joy there is in community, in being together as we live out our faith.  There is strength and encouragement and the courage to proclaim our identity and faith.  Surely, if by themselves, these young people would not be as joyful and energetic when they had to wait for hours in the hot sun or walk long distances or live in such spartan conditions.  And so it is with us, in our daily lives.

As the Pope said at his arrival in Madrid, "Here on this Day, they (the youth) have a special opportunity to gather together their aspirations, to share the richness of their cultures and experiences, motivate each other along a journey of faith and life, in which some think they are
alone or ignored in their daily existence. But they are not alone. Many people of the same age have the same aspirations and, entrusting themselves completely to Christ, know that they really have a future before them and are not afraid of the decisive commitments which fulfill their entire lives." - the Pope's WYD Messages to the Youth

The World Youth Day events formally started on August 16 with an Opening Mass.  There were so many people (both young and young at heart) that we couldn't even get close enough to see the stage...

We could only see a video screen...

But being among the young people and talking with them was a blessing in itself...

After the Mass, as we strolled to the plazas of Madrid, there were concerts everywhere, with dancing and singing and celebrating.   What a wonderful start to a six lovely, faith filled days!

 

Linking up with Brag on God Friday, Spiritual Sundays and Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.