WORLD YOUTH DAY 2002 - REFLECTIONS

WYD came to me in Bolivia

April 2003

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When I left Canada for Bolivia in May 2002, I knew it would be difficult missing World Youth Day. But I trusted I was doing God's will. My calling to mission was clearly stronger than attending the events.

However, being a Catholic youth, my heart was torn during the week of World Youth Day. The Pope, along with thousands of youth, were in my country celebrating our faith. And here I was, on a different continent.

Then I heard about a youth rally taking place in solidarity with the youth in Toronto. I could not attend WYD in Canada, so WYD came to me, in Bolivia, the heart of South America.

The sign in downtown Cochabamba said, Jornada Mundial de la Joventud (World Youth Day), and the familiar WYD logo with the red maple leaf of Canada made me feel that I was at home.

The rally started off in the Plaza Colóith two hours of praise, worship, and dancing. The emcee made reference to WYD in Toronto, and everyone cheered. This was followed by a procession in the streets, with more singing. The procession led to the cathedral where we had a special WYD Mass celebrated by the archbishop, Monsignor Tito Solari.

The cathedral was filled with energy. It was absolutely amazing. During the entire event, there were about 40 homeless children along with some religious Sisters holding a banner saying, "Queremos y podemos ser sal y luz del mundo" (We want to be, and can be, salt and light of the world.)

At the end of Mass, Archbishop Tito Solari asked everyone to sign the banner to show our solidarity with the children. He also told us that we are called to help one another. At that moment, I was convinced: God has me exactly where I am supposed to be. The WYD celebration in Cochabamba, Bolivia, was simple and beautiful, just like the people here.

Sylvie Sabourin, ECUADOR
After language study in Bolivia, Sylvie is now serving in Ecuador.

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