In the final WYD event on his schedule, Pope Francis
thanks the 25 thousand World Youth Day volunteers from 150 countries for their
wonderful generosity, service and faith.
- By Thaddeus Jones
In his final meeting with young people in Lisbon on
Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis met with 25 thousand World Youth Day volunteers
at another large outdoor event on a sun-baked afternoon there. The volunteers
came from around the world representing 150 countries.
Celebration and joy
The event began with a video featuring video
highlights of World You day as a way to relive the intense and joyous days of
celebration and joy. Participants from around the world shared their experience
of the celebrations in a video collage of interviews interspersed with moments
from the WYD events.
Then three young participants offered their own live
testimonies telling the Pope about their experience of World Youth Day and how
it transformed them and their faith.
Chiara from Germany working in youth ministry said the
WYD events gave her a tangible experience of God's boundless love and
acceptance. She added that it marked a powerful experience of being part of a
Church that represents so many people from around the world, a real family, and
a beautiful mosaic of cultures and believers in the one God searching for His
love.
Francisco from Portugal just graduated from college,
but spent the past year assisting in the preparations for WYD as a volunteer.
He said it's been a real journey and hard work, but a wonderful experience of
inner growth and seeing Jesus in others, especially their smiles.
Then Filipe, a volunteer also from Portugal, spoke
about how WYD helped him draw closer to the Lord and recognize the Lord in
every person he met. He expressed his lifelong mission to serve Christ and
others for peace in our world.
Thank you to all
The Patriarch of Lisbon, Cardinal Manuel Clemente,
then thanked the Pope for his presence and participation, saying everyone will
carry the experiences in their hearts and memories. He thanked the volunteers
for their great dedication, calling them the "World Youth Day 2023
generation".
Pope Francis then read parts of his prepared address
and spoke ad lib, expressing his profound gratitude and praising everyone for
their hard work making these unforgettable days possible. Recalling how
everyone labored for months, behind the scenes with little fanfare, they set an
example as a real team and service for all.
Joy of service
The Pope said despite the fatigue he could see on
their faces at times, he always noticed that their eyes glowed "with the
joy of service." He thanked them
for their generosity, rushing to meet others and to serve them "in the
name of Jesus."
Recalling the testimonies of Chiara, Francisco and
Filipe, the Pope observed how all three spoke of "a special encounter with
Jesus" and how that "most beautiful" experience became the
"engine" that helps us move in earnest and keep going in our life of
faith and service.
“Renewing the personal encounter with Jesus every day
is the heart of the Christian life.”
Vatican News
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento