A Blog About Being a Catholic Nun in Today’s World
I thought this was a great picture … so much symbolism.
So what’s the word about World Youth Day? Any readers there right now? If so, tell us how it’s going!
And for the rest of us, what are your thoughts about this year’s World Youth Day?
What words of hope and encouragement might Pope Benedict XVI offer to Catholic young people today?
A Nun's Life will be hosting a book discussion using Jon Sobrino's book No Salvation Outside the Poor on Weds October 15 in honor of Blog Action Day.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Another Sister Julie, CSSF 07.16.08 at 7:33 am
I’m glad there was a photo of this. EWTN had a glitch in the video and we missed the whole Gospel procession (that was very impressive, according to the commentator!)
I just wished the cameras panning the crowd wouldn’t urge the attendees to whoop an’ holler during, say, the Kyrie.
Did I just sound old????
Kristine 07.16.08 at 3:08 pm
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/national/festival-will-bring-gifts-from-god-say-pilgrims/2008/07/08/1215282866641.html
check it out - too cool!
Christine H 07.16.08 at 8:32 pm
Sister Julie,
I live about 90 mins south of Sydney and it has really been an amazing week so far.
There had been a lot of criticism from the media about the cost of holding the event, how the city will handle the number of pilgrims travelling around and whether anyone would attend.
I am glad to say that so far, it has been going really well - it brings back memories of the Olympics 8 years ago.
The symbolism of the indigenous participation in the liturgy on Tuesday runs very deep - the European settlers caused great and ongoing damage to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait way of life, when they arrived in 1788. Our national government finally issued an apology to them only in February 08.
Australia, is not usually an overtly religious country - we are very laid back and cynical about many things, but WYD is making people think
Blessings to all who read this from Down Under,
Christine
Sister Julie 07.17.08 at 2:53 am
Kristine … that picture is WAY COOL!
Thanks for writing, Christine. It’s cool to know what it’s like from a “local”. Have you had the chance to wander around Sydney during WYD? Blessings!
Ann 07.17.08 at 9:30 am
I think WYD rejuvenates the entire Church - most of us are looking for signs and symbols of hope from time to time and here we have it - young people from so many different countries prepared to stand up and invoke the power of the Holy Spirit. He’s not likely to let them down. The photos are great!
Kate 07.26.08 at 4:47 pm
+JMJD+
Hey Sr. Julie! I had a post on my blog asking for everyone’s WYD experience too! I didn’t attend in person but I followed it religiously, so-to-say, and in my post I give an account of my WYD experience as a “Spiritual Pilgrim”…its kinda long, so the link is below if you want to check it out! Pax!
http://calledtogod.blogspot.com/2008/07/share-your-experience-with-world-youth.html
Sarah 07.26.08 at 5:26 pm
i was there in person for the whole thing and it was an amazing experience. I’m a novice but, to be honest, went into the experience with some skepticism. What I experienced was a beautiful time of being part of a young, joyfilled, energetic church. And it was also an experience of being part of a big, diverse family in the church… so many ways of dressing (we don’t have many indigenous habit wearing groups in Australia) and ways of expressing the faith. Not all of them appealing to me, but all part of the body of Christ. It was good to be reminded of that.
It was also just lovely to be part of this enormous group of happy, considerate, kind young people, enjoying the celebration and caring for one another.
I didn’t expect to be particularly moved by the experience but I was on a human, and spiritual level. It was exhausting, but also wonderful.
Vivian 07.27.08 at 8:21 pm
Wowie, wow, wow! I hope they make a poster out of that incredible photograph. The symbolism of it brings tears to my eyes!
Viv
Julie 07.30.08 at 10:23 pm
World Youth Day was an amazing experience. I am discerning and by the end of the pilgrimage, I felt more ready to accept my vocation. The priest I confessed to at a catechesis at WYD gave me insight that strengthened me and helped me mature. The various bishops and the Holy Father talked about doing God’s will. The consolation of the Holy Spirit filled me and helped me come to terms with Religious Life.
I recommend World Youth Day for anyone who is discerning. The next one will be in Madrid, Spain in 2011.