World Youth Day Reflection
"Mary arose and went with haste"...this was the theme that echoed throughout World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal last week. In Masses, catechesis sessions, and even on the fields of Parque Tejo as the pilgrims’ wake-up call, over a loudspeaker, at 6:30 AM.
As we celebrate St. Jane's Feast Day, the founder of the Visitation Sisters, we are all reminded of the importance of Mary's unwavering "Yes" in the Annunciation and her journey to her cousin's home, the Visitation.
Opening Mass, Parque Eduardo VII.
Interestingly enough, my journey to WYD started with a "No." When my aunt asked me if I wanted to accompany my cousin Cory, who is also my goddaughter, to WYD, my heart was torn as. I felt deeply in my heart that I was being called to share this experience with Cory. Yet at the time of my aunt's suggestion, I was visiting Lisbon and no way envisioned myself traveling there again within the same year.
After much deliberation, weighing out the expenses and time involved, I said "No" with a heavy heart...but the Lord works in mysterious ways. When I arrived home, I could not get the thought of going back to Portugal and making this pilgrimage out of my head. Luckily enough, when I reached out last minute to the organizer of my cousin's diocesan group, he worked swiftly to add me to the plans. This "No" that turned to "Yes" led me to one of the most memorable weeks, a godmother/goddaughter pilgrimage of a lifetime.
It is hard to find the words to fully describe what WYD is like. Lisbon transformed from its usual hustle and bustle to being completely taken over by a wave of pilgrims. Guiding Cory through the city from WYD events to some of my favorite sites, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude, love, and faith in our Lord. To be able to show her the beauty and culture of one of my favorite cities, while encountering the Lord around every corner was more than I could have ever imagined possible, and is still a bit surreal.
From walking the streets of Lisbon to riding the metro underground, bright WYD shirts were everywhere. Flags from countries and dioceses all over the world were carried high as a way for groups to stay together and to show others how far they’ve come.
You could feel the presence of the Lord throughout the week. From an intimate group Mass at our hotel to the welcome Mass and final Mass given by The Holy Father Pope Francis, which included over a million pilgrims from around the world. As my cousin and I attended events, we shared, learned, and walked side-by-side in this journey of faith. We were called to rise, to examine Mary’s response to God and her journey to visit her cousin as an example to bring into our own lives. The Holy Father asked us to reflect on our lives and respond to God’s call with the same peaceful, trusting surrender that Mary displayed and to not be afraid. Pope Francis invited to the youth of the world to carry out God’s call with a healthy haste, a haste that drives us towards God, towards each other, and towards unity.
Pope Francis’ arrival at Parque Tejo.
The final days of WYD are the main pilgrimage, where pilgrims journey to a central area for the main events and papal address. As we embarked on our pilgrimage a sense of calm and peace was in our hearts despite the challenges ahead. After hours of walking in extreme heat, our group of 80 slowly reconvened in our designated section and made overnight camp on the rocky grounds of Parque Tejo.
Under regular circumstances, exhaustion, discomfort, and physical and mental fatigue may have caused us to complain, become frustrated, and perhaps (especially in my case) be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people that surrounded us. But none of this happened, instead pilgrims bonded as sisters and brothers in faith. Young adults who otherwise may have been watching a movie, playing video games, or going out shopping on a given weekend conversed together, prayed together, and fell into a beautiful, peaceful silence together as the Pope addressed the sea of pilgrims.
The Pope’s message to the youth is one that we can all carry with us in our hearts and into our lives. It is one that echoes the teachings of St. Francis de Sales.
“Go forth then, bringing God’s radiant smile to everyone! Go and bear witness to the joy of faith, to the hope that warms your hearts, and to the love that you bring to everything you do. Shine with the light of Christ. Listen to him so that you, too, may become the light of the world. And do not be afraid, for the Lord loves you and walks at your side.”
I will leave you with the Pope’s words and continue to reflect on the profound experience of WYD, I hope that you too feel inspired to be the light of Christ in our world. To shine, to listen, and to be unafraid. As St. Francis de Sales said, “Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.”
