WORLD YOUTH DAY 2019 by Ivica Covic
“My dear young people. We adults often have a habit of telling you: ‘you are the future.’ But here I am going to say something different. You are not the future, but the now of God!”
How special are these words that Pope Francis spoke during his homily at the Final Mass in Panama to conclude our World Youth Day pilgrimage. Empowered by God’s love, the Holy Father gave us this encouragement: “Go back to your parishes and communities, to your families and your friends, and share this experience, so that others can resonate with the strength and enthusiasm that is yours.”
World Youth Day 2019, I can openly say, has been one of the best experiences of my life, and one that I will remember forever. What helped make it so special was feeling so close to God and the Church, and seeing others transform and feel the same.
There were 65 pilgrims from the Diocese of Broken Bay, including our own Fr Paul and Simon Hyland. We left Sydney on January 16th headed for Mexico. There we started our pilgrimage to prepare ourselves for World Youth Day week in Panama. Highlights in Mexico included visiting Our Lady of Guadalupe as well as many other Cathedrals and Churches. We also had various cultural experiences such as visiting the Temple of the Sun and Moon of the Aztecs. We then travelled to Panama for the start of the World Youth
Day festivities, beginning with the Opening Mass. For the next few days, Broken Bay, were given the opportunity to be ‘animators’ which involved organising three days of catechesis. Catechesis involved listening to testimonies from Bishops and pilgrims, singing, dancing and reflecting. Reconciliation was available, and we were also able to participate in Adoration. A huge thank you to Simon who not only helped coordinate catechesis sessions, but also helped with singing and many other tasks throughout World Youth Day to make sure that this Pilgrimage was as fruitful as it was. We went to Mass every day on our Pilgrimage, whether at a Church, Houston Airport Chapel or at our accommodation. Other events throughout World Youth Day week included the Pope’s welcome, the Stations of the Cross, and my highlight: The Vigil and Final Mass. After World Youth Day week was over, we travelled to Gamboa Rainforest for our retreat, which was a much-needed time for reflection, prayer and thanksgiving.
What made the whole journey so special was seeing all these young people from around the world in Panama for the same reason – to be witnesses to the Gospel and to share in God’s love. It gave me goosebumps, seeing around a million people at the Vigil and Final Mass, each praying and talking in their own languages – yet it felt like we were all speaking the same language. Everyone was so joyful throughout our whole pilgrimage and being able to share in this joy and love for God was incredible!
- PRAYER MADE BY THE YOUTH:
- Loving God, You call us to embrace the joy, born of your Son Jesus.
- May it well up in our hearts, and be lived through acts of mercy.
- Help us resolve to trade-in comfort, aspire to greatness, and follow the path of the Cross as a courageous generation.
- Inspire us to build upon the culture, tradition and beauty of our Church;
- nourish us as we dare to blaze trails that open new horizons.
- Send us forth to be instruments of change and hope in this great Land of the Holy Spirit.
- Like Mary, may we discern your call with faith and love: responding with great Joy in our hearts.
- In union with Jesus, our Saviour and friend, we pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit
- that we may be your witnesses in our homes, schools and parish community.
- AMEN