Many apologies. The days are very long and very full and I can't quite remember where we are up to! The experience, the prayer, the atmosphere, the people, everything has been incredible. I noticed that I have been repeating the same adjectives over the last week or so. All the tweets, blogs, Facebook updates and even conversations from the whole group have run out of ways of putting into words just how... amazing... this time has been. I just hope me, Alex and Heather are conveying just how special this time is.
Yesterday we had Bishop Frank Caggiano giving the Catechesis. He was full of life and really filled us with enthusiasm for living out our faith.
In the evening, we attended the Papal Welcome ceremony. Over a million young people from every corner of the world cheered to meet the Holy Father.The Vicar of Christ passed so close to us.
Today was equally amazing. Catechesis by a bishop from Malta who again, encouraged us to be faithful because we will change the world. He spoke very well about going to confession regularly, especially priests!
A very moving event was Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father. Around two million young people united in prayer on Copacabana Beach. The meditations, the music, the Stations themselves all made up for a wonderful time of prayer.
Tomorrow, the priests of our group have been invited to concelebrate Mass with the Holy Father. It is a great privilege to have been invited and we are all looking forward to celebrating this Mass. Our pilgrims will be especially in our prayers tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow night, is the Vigil. Again, a few million young people on Copacabana Beach praying and sleeping under the stars ready for the Mass of World Youth Day.
I'll sign off now until we come back from Mass on Sunday. Before I do just one last thought... Every single person on this trip has been challenged and changed for the better in some way. I know my own priesthood has been renewed and deepend by this wonderful experience. I can't wait to share some of my experiences with you when I return next week.
Let's pray each other this weekend!
Many apologies. The days are very long and very full and I can't quite remember where we are up to! The experience, the prayer, the atmosphere, the people, everything has been incredible. I noticed that I have been repeating the same adjectives over the last week or so. All the tweets, blogs, Facebook updates and even conversations from the whole group have run out of ways of putting into words just how... amazing... this time has been. I just hope me, Alex and Heather are conveying just how special this time is.
Yesterday we had Bishop Frank Caggiano giving the Catechesis. He was full of life and really filled us with enthusiasm for living out our faith.
RSS Feed
