Yes, it’s a celebration, but it’s more than just “Catholic Woodstock”; it is a seedbed for growth of a new life in Christ“One doesn’t begin to be a Christian because of an ethical decision or a great idea, but rather because of an encounter with an event, with a Person, who gives new horizons to life, and with that, a decisive orientation. The evangelization of the person and of human communities depends totally on this encounter with Jesus Christ.” — Pope Benedict XVI
The words of Pope Benedict are well-reflected in this video, where we see a Sister of Life recount her experience at World Youth Day and how her encounter there, with Christ Jesus, led to her surrendering all of her life to his service. As the pilgrims begin to arrive in Krakow, let us pray for all of them, that the coming days will be peaceful, prayerful, and full of these opportunities for encounter. Let us pray to the 5 Polish saints who will be very much present to the crowd, as well as other young holy ancestors whose names will be called upon.
And let us pray, via Saint Michael the Archangel, Our Lady and Saint Joseph, and Saint Therese of Liseiux, and St. Benedict of Norcia, co-patrons of Europe, that the coming days will be know their protection and prayers.
