World Youth Day 2002

World Youth Day 2002
You are the salt of the earth		You are the light of the world
World Youth Day is an event that began with Pope John Paul II in 1986 where he invites young Catholics from all over the world to gather together. Hundreds of thousands of young Catholics from many countries, many cultures and many languages gather together to strengthen their faith and proclaim their love for the Church and for Christ. They may profess their love openly and proudly as the Holy Spirit moves through the crowds and unites the young Catholics of the world. During World Youth Day it does not matter where you come from or what you language you speak, everyone is there for one purpose and to love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.
This year World Youth Day was held in Toronto Canada. The entire event lasts one week and ends with a Papal mass. This years theme was, "You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world."
My husband and I were fortunate enough to attend World Youth Day this year.
We began our trip on Friday evening. When we arrived in Toronto there were thousands of pilgrims throughout the city. At this moment it became evident that the Catholic Church spreads far out from our parish walls.
The Way of the Cross was held on Friday evening on the streets of Toronto. It seemed as if every pilgrim was there. There were thousands of flags from every country imaginable. Hymns were sung throughout the crowds and there was such excitement in the air. As we walked through the city there were many groups joined together in prayer and catecheses. Unfortunately since there were so many people we were not able to get close to view Way of the Cross.
Saturday morning we began our day with a 5-mile pilgrimage to Downsview Park. The weather was hot and everyone was carrying backpacks, sleeping bags and tents to prepare for an overnight stay. Everyone was tired, hot, sweaty and thirsty but no one cared, our small suffering was in no way close to what Christ experienced. We were all just so thankful to be there. When my husband and I arrived at the park there were only a few thousand pilgrims. Within a matter of a few hours the number grew to hundreds of thousands. Everyone began making their campsites ranging from just sleeping bags to putting together what we were calling "tent cities" They were made from cardboard boxes to garbage bags. Very imaginative and creative young people used whatever they could find.
We had met people from all over the world ranging from Poland, to the Philippines, France, Italy, and to countries I have never even heard of. I was reminded of when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and they were able to speak many languages and proclaim the Good News to all.
We were all able to understand each other and celebrate together. There were no language or cultural barriers. Faith, love and the Holy Spirit had united us all.
That evening we were able to experience a vigil with the Pope. We heard music, prayers and testimonies as we all celebrated our Faith. As he arrived in his helicopter there was much cheering and excitement as crowds gathered together to get a glimpse of the Holy Father. As he drove through the crowds many who were able to see him broke down in tears and everyone was hugging and singing.
Some of the words that I most remember from the Pope were that we should not wait until we are old to begin a holy life. He stated that Holiness keeps us young. He reminded us that life presents us many things, which seem like they may offer happiness, but they are only a facade, only Jesus Christ can bring us true happiness.
There was not much sleeping that evening. Most of the evening was filled with music and dancing. At times there was even a little rain.
In the early morning hours, when most were finally asleep the rain began to fall heavily. Many situations most people would complain and even leave. This was not the case Sunday morning. Everyone woke up, put on raincoats, garbage bags, whatever they could find and tried to keep things dry. No one complained, no one left, spirits were still high and everyone was very happy.
My husband and I decided to skip breakfast and instead we made our way through the crowds to the road where the Holy Father would drive through. The rain was still pouring down and it was very windy. Standing up at the gates it was crowded, but everyone continued to sing hymns and proclaim their love for Christ.
When the Pope’s helicopter arrived everyone became very excited. We knew that we would finally be able to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father. No one could have prepared me for what that experience would be like. Standing 10 feet away from him we could see the love and light of Christ radiated from him to all who could witness it. The feeling of humility and love spread to everyone. I, along with many others was overwhelmed by this experience as we all broke down in tears.
Sunday morning we celebrated mass with the Holy Father. It was a once in a lifetime experience. The Pope reminded us of the many priests who serve so faithfully and urged us to remain close to them and support them. This was followed by loud cheers to show that we do love and support our priests.
He also said that we were young and that he was old, remembering that he said that holiness keeps you young, everyone began saying chants "Pope is young...Pope is young"
I am not sure what words could be used to describe receiving Holy Communion that day. I was so thankful for the gift of the precious Body of Christ. We have been so blessed to have been able to share in this Holy Feast with the Pope.
There is nothing else on earth that could bring together so many people united in such a special way other then the love for the Catholic Faith.
After the mass was over we had a 2-mile walk to get to a bus. In this weekend alone everyone walked an average of probably 20 miles.
Everyone was tired, wet, sunburned, and hot, it was wonderful!!
This was a time for love, unity and spiritual renewal for all who experienced World Youth Day. We have been blessed for such an experience and will remember this always as we carry the words of the Holy Father with us, "You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world."