WORLD YOUTH DAY 2002 - REFLECTIONS

A message to the world

April 2003

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I was fortunate to be part of World Youth Day last summer. The Pope said to the youth, "You are young and I am old." And the youth loved him. They responded with the chant, "JP2, we love you!" and did that often during the week. The youth were united in wanting to give this message to the world: "Yes, we have faith and we are alive in our faith!"

There were many activities and teachings going on during WYD. We had a saintly guest in the presence of Jean Vanier. I love to listen to him. He always inspires me as the Good Shepherd teaching the flock with love as he gives examples relating to his own experiences with God's favourites-the voiceless and the powerless.

Many Catholic organizations set up exhibits in the vocations building. These got the attention of the youth who inquired about the different work being done throughout the world. Scarboro Missions prepared a fantastic exhibit that was beautiful, interesting, and informative. I was proud to be there as a representative. The exhibits opened my eyes to the many groups in the Church working to empower the poor and the voiceless.

On the final day, a steady rain soaked most of the crowd as we waited for the Pope's Eucharistic celebration to begin. The Mass started and soon a strong wind came to chase the clouds away. For the rest of the celebration, the welcomed sun shone with all its splendor. You could say the day began with the water of baptism, followed by the wind of Pentecost-great physical symbols. We were like a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers gathered from around the world and offered to Jesus.

Sr. Fernande Barnabe, THAILAND

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