If ever there was a doubt that the Catholic Church was diverse and vibrant, World Youth Day is strong proof that the Church is young, energetic, and passionate about its universal faith. World Youth Day, which was started by Pope John Paul II as an opportunity to unite young Catholics from around the World, has grown exponentially since its inception. Here are a few thoughts on what I learned while attending the recent World Youth Day in Krakow Poland.
- The Catholic Church is truly universal. Imagine walking around the city of Krakow, seeing young people from all over the world. Catholics from persecuted countries like Syria Palestine and Catholics from historically Catholic countries like Rome and Argentina all gathered to celebrate their universal faith. While we all spoke different languages, there was a sincere feeling of unity throughout the entire city.
- The Catholic Church is vibrant. Especially in the US,it is easy to believe the myth that young people are disinterested in faith and have given up on God. That’s simply not the case. Two million young people from around the world left their homes and traveled all around the world to celebrate their beautiful faith and worship God, and countless others watched and celebrated at home.
- Catholics are joyful. Never in my life have I been surrounded by so many joyful people! The young people at World Youth Day, as they were teeming throughout the streets of Krakow, exuded a sense of joy and optimism, that comes from their happiness that their relationships with the living God give them. In Krakow, the sound of singing constantly filled the streets as groups chanted songs of praise from their countries.
- Most of all, I learned that the Catholic Church is calling its youth to be saints. Pope Francis encouraged and inspired the youth people at World Youth Day to reject the comfort and false happiness that the world offers them, in search of authentic freedom and joy. In Pope Francis’ remarks he said, “My friends, Jesus is the Lord of risk, of the eternal “more”. Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths.”
World Youth Day was an opportunity for the youth of the Church to join together in unity so that they could hear God’s call to be bold and joyful vehicles of God’s mercy in the world. My we all hear and respond courageously to the words of Pope Francis!
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