World Youth Day 2013

Early reports speak of a "frenzied enthusiasm" as Pope Francis makes his way to the hearts of the more than million youth gathered in Rio Janiero, Brazil. Fearlessly, he took advantage of unscheduled traffic tie-ups to greet all who reached out to him to touch him through his open windows. His infectious smile and his mission to bring, not silver not gold, but Jesus Christ to the young and the poor are rousing the throngs gathered there as well as viewers and readers around the globe. Happily to report, there is a Marist contingent there who went several days earlier to participate in the Marist International Youth Conference whose theme was, "Change: Make a Difference." Photos and reports indicate a high level of joy and enthusiasm which is being bolstered by World Youth Day itself. In the past, these gatherings have had an amazing effect on those who attended. Many refer to themselves as the Pope John Paul II generation, and many attribute their return to the faith or even their vocations to the priesthood and religious life to the graces received during these four days of talks, discussions, prayers, adoration and liturgies. Great comaraderie is fostered as the world shrinks and becomes one family. Let us pray for these "pilgrims", and join with them via Catholic TV or EWTN. We too can share in the graces of World Youth Day. Bro. Rene