My participation in the WYD

My participation in the WYD

For the first time in my life I participated in the World Youth Day. It was a very special event that will be forever etched in my memory. I'm glad that it took place in Poland because, in this way, many young Poles could participate. Otherwise, the costs for many of them would have been too high to consider a trip abroad.

Preparations for this event lasted three years in all the Polish dioceses. There were catechesis and other meetings in the parishes. Finally, the big day arrived. Young people from all over world first spent a week in various Polish cities. There were concerts, prayer meetings, entertainment evenings, excursions etc. Each sister participated in meetings with young people and we also hosted some pilgrims.

On July 25th, most pilgrims headed to Cracow to take part in the main WYD celebrations. Young people from all over the world came to meet the Pope and their peers from different countries. The diversity of languages, cultures and nations was not at all an obstacle in relating to each other and becoming one big Family of God. Everywhere in the streets, young people were cheering and glorifying the Lord. The atmosphere was very cordial; everyone was smiling despite the hardships of the pilgrimage. 

When the Holy Father arrived, the joy reached its peak. Everyone applauded. When the Pope started his speech there was complete silence though; the pilgrims listened to his words with great concentration. Then there were prayers, singing, dancing. I think that for many people it was a great opportunity to deepen their faith, hope and love. The testimony of these young people from around the world is the best example of the New Evangelization.

Sister Aneta