published: 2008-07-29 |
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What Remains is…..a MissionWorld Youth Day in Sydney as Seen by Someone Who Stayed at Home |
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SCHOENSTATT, Xenia Schmidlin. For two days, my impression was that of living in a perfectly ordered world. Sydney was, and still remains, in the commentaries of thousands of persons; in the more than two thousand accredited means of communication; in the 500,000 persons who greeted the Holy Father; in the sending-off at the end of the concluding Eucharistic celebration in which 400,000 youths participated. More than 170 world countries were represented in those glorious days for the Youth, not only in body but also in spirit. A true blessing for the world went forth from Sydney. 500 million persons followed WYD on television and almost one billion experienced it on the Internet. 1,000 priests heard confessions during WYD. The Holy Father confirmed 24 youths which was something entirely new for WYD. Participating in this WYD were 4,000 priests, 420 bishops and 26 cardinals. These are the official statistics. What really thrilled me was seeing so many radiant faces; the tranquility of the experience; the indescribable joy which could be felt even on the screens; the diversity of cultures; the call of Pope Benedict XVI; the open hearts….an overflowing and indescribable feeling. I confess that I felt an immense joy upon seeing Schoenstatt banners and images of the Pilgrim Virgin in every corner. As if that were not enough…..an additional gift! For anyone having a good look, on July 19th - at the Holy Father’s Mass with the bishops of Australia, seminarians and novices and the blessing of a new altar - they could have seen the warm and tearful greeting of the Holy Father and Sister Julie. With one hand she was greeting Benedict XVI, and with the other hand, she held firmly her Pilgrim Virgin. The MTA could not miss this appointment! After WYD, Sr. Julie returned to her novitiate in Schoenstatt, surely without being able to hide the great smile which she probably still has. Receive the power and go forth…..to the ends of the earth!It was a fantastic event! I am really envious of all who received the gift of being there, but after all is said and done, I have to return to "my" world (which is not always totally in order), to work, in summary, to daily life. Was this all? Still ringing in my ears is the soft melody of the WYD song: "We will follow you to the ends of the earth, we will respond to your will, forever witnesses of your piety and eternal love." Not only does the song contain the concrete requirement, but also the motto and the words of the Holy Father are filled with motivation, support and petition. So, hands on to the task! WYD now begins!Strong impressions remain from WYD, as do unforgettable experiences for those who participated, personal encounters, hearts afire and…..a mission! "After WYD, WYD begins!" We must go out to meet others! Finally, worthwhile are the words: "You will be my witnesses…..in all the corners of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This is not only for those who participated, but also for me. The excuse of not having been in Australia does not exempt me from fulfilling my mission. I also received the mission of taking Christ to the people and of giving witness to Him in my life. It is a mission which surely will not always be easy to fulfill, but in the end, I am not alone. There are thousands of us youths with this same desire and this same fire within, and lastly…..without a doubt, the Holy Spirit will do His part! In the missions: to concretely be witnesses!Spain knows well enough about the blessing which can come forth if she accepts the invitation of the Holy Father whole heartedly. For years now, an idea which has taken shape in South America, became concrete in Spain by means of WYD in Rome in the year 2000. The Holy Father gathered in Rome to announce the Faith. This call and this petition was assumed seriously by the Schoenstatt Youth in Spain and achieved that the missions would become a reality. Twice a year, a great number of Schoenstatt Youth travels to the north of Spain to help give new life to the parishes and to announce the Good News with the Pilgrim MTA in their arms. At the present, they are accompanied in the missions by German youths and by Sr. M. Anastasia and Sr. M. Anrika, leaders of the Girls’ Schoenstatt Youth in Germany. Next week there will be more news on these missions so that we can enjoy them on Schoenstatt.de. We will see you in MadridSpeaking of Spain…..within three years (in 2011), the next WYD will again be "practically around the corner from the Original Shrine." There are two Shrines which will be able to enjoy it. It has not been officially decided if there will be a festival for the Schoenstatt Youth. Nevertheless, if one speaks to a Spaniard about WYD, suddenly the eyes light up, the corners of the mouth turn upward and his/her face is invaded by a huge smile. A young man wrote: "I am very happy that the Pope has decided to have WYD in Madrid. We have a great need for the Pope in Spain and it will be a good opportunity to receive the Schoenstatt Family from throughout the world." He is not the only one who thinks that way. Other youths are certain that there will be something for the Schoenstatt Youth. Surely, also in Schoenstatt itself, there will be a pre-program and a post-program. How will this be? For now, it is written in the stars, but…..we must encounter it! Translation: Carlos Cantú Family Federation La Feria, Texas USA 080508 |
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