Well, it’s been a LONG day. However, I’m beginning to think that every day here is going to feel that way...which isn’t a bad thing. The European leisurely mindset and the late sunsets seem to add hours to each day [we’ll just pretend we don’t realize how many hours that takes out of our sleep!]
We began our day today with the first of our Catechesis sessions, which was FABULOUS. The parish we went to was quaint and very nice. The pastor, Fr. Fernando, was so welcoming and had “such kind eyes”, Elizabeth pointed out. Archbishop Cardinal O’Malley from Boston gave a fantastic talk about being “firm in the faith”, and then answered a few questions, ranging from the increase in abortions to Just War Theory (super tough questions, I know!) The music ministry that was assigned to this location was amazing. A very young guitarist led most of the songs, and an outgoing young man woke us up with his pure joy and excitement. [sidenote: Emily & I want think Clare should meet the guitar boy...”he’s cute, plays the guitar and loves Jesus! What else could you ask for?!”, we told her :) ] a group of teens performed the song “You Found Me” by Kelly Clarkson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojScwmRGHlM) in British Sign Language. It was beautiful. The Cardinal’s talk was followed by mass, and I was literally brought to tears by the power of the closing hymn, “Our God” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc), and the love and sincerity of all present as everyone sang along. As the cardinal pointed out in his talk, WYD is an opportunity for us to realize that “we are not orphans, (and) we are not alone”. There are communities of believers ALL over the world. Just within this small gathering, there were a myriad of cities and countries represented. Also mentioned in the talk was the fact that the joy and enthusiasm we are feeling as we meet young adults just like us from all over the world is simply a reflection of the joy one gets from Jesus’ friendship. “We are not part of a crowd, but a community.” And as WYD is off to a running start, I truly feel that community of believers. Fr. Fernando (of the San Juan parish where we attended Catechesis) briefly mentioned the many university students who come for the Sunday evening mass, and the ridicule they receive from their peers. I instantly felt a connection to these students halfway across the globe, as the 10pm mass-attending students at Xavier like myself often face similar banter from our peers.
The remainder of the day varied for each individual, but included general exploration of the city, the Vocations Fair and Adoration. Finally, Elizabeth, Anthony, Clare, Emily and I went on quite the adventure this evening to locate a Flamenco performance which was choreographed as an interpretation of the Passion of Christ. It was interesting, to say the least. After a long train ride, as well as literally climbing hills and hopping fences to get there [“now I really feel like I’m on a pilgrimage!”, gasped Clare as we went up steps too many to count], we found the beautifully lit outdoor stage. An Egyptian outdoor theatre (the Temple Debod), the thrust stage was surrounded by a small moat/river, with the vast crowd all around. Though it was difficult to keep up with the storyline of the Passion, the dancing was beautiful!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! Please send “good health vibes” our way as many of us are not feeling too well :(
THE POPE ARRIVES MANANA, YAY!
<3 Abigail
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