DAY SIX: WELCOMING THE POPE

This was the second day I had slept past my alarm and now I needed to pack up my things, eat breakfast, and head out for the day. I was exhausted and I really wanted to go back to bed knowing I had another long day ahead. As the group headed to the subway Padre asked how I was doing. I said I was tired yet excited to see the Pope. We then arrived at a small park to have mass and celebrate with other English speakers from around the world. Even though the people were mostly American it was still nice to meet people from Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia. As mass continued we listened to a wonderful homily given by a bishop from Sydney Australia. He started by playing “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd. He then went on to compare the song to our youth in todays world saying things like “We do need an education, but one that is centered around God.” Listening to his homily I couldn’t help but feel lost. I didn’t quite understand what he was trying to say and how it directly impacted my life. I already had an education centered on God. However in retrospect, I realize that not only do I need to have an understanding of our Lord, but need to be able to share Gods teaching to my peers who might not know him as well as I do. 

 

Later that day we headed over to Parque Eduardo VII to welcome the Pope to Portugal. The group found a good spot to sit and await the popes arrival, and as the hot sun beat down on me I tried to take a nap. However listening to the words of songs and prayers while waiting for the pope to arrive, I couldn’t help but pray myself. I asked God to hear my prayers and to help those in my life. I thanked him for showing me that no matter what happens, there will be happiness with Him in my life. As everyone stood up music started to play as the pope started to make his way up to the stage. I didn’t realize how good of a spot we had until he drove right by almost 10 feet away from us. It was amazing to see Pope Francis so close in personal to the youth of the Catholic Community. As we listed to him talk he said something that stuck in my mind. He said “Your presence here is no accident;” as well as, “God has called each of you by name.” Taking a second to process, I knew that Mary was next to me praying and watching over me. For some reason this was the first time I had truly felt Mary’s presence in my life. I got chills on my back and it felt as if I was being hugged from behind. It was something I have never felt before and I knew that God was truly present in my life. From now on the hard part won’t be begging God to show me a sign, but allowing myself to be open to Gods greater plan.