What a strange sensation when I stopped to think that World Youth Day in Rio ended. I still have mull over all that I experienced in those days in Copacabana. Perhaps you also are the same, in the midst of a state of
“shock” with all that was said by the beloved Pope Francis.
The people that supported the cold, the rain and the uncomfortability of a World Youth Day testify that the decision to hear the voice of the shepherd and celebrate the Catholic faith was much stronger. This is the youth of Christ that desires true joy than the world can give. Congratulations to you that were in Copacabana and remained strong to the end!
From the stage of Copacabana I saw the multitude and prayed “Jesus transform the hearts of these persons that came to seek you. Concede to them the courage of not denying you, but of fighting for faith.” I confess that I reached a “pride” of being Catholic, of being of God upon seeing millions of people present in this event.
This is a small sharing from someone that still is reflecting on all that happened. Today I seek to resume all that I lived in two words: #Conversion and #Simplicity!
I close this post with the words of Pope Francis in the discourse he made to the volunteers: “I ask that you maybe revolutionaries, I ask that you go against the current; Yes, in this I ask that you rebel, that you rebel against this provisionary culture that, in its foundation, believes that you are not capable of assuming responsabilities, that you are not capable of loving of truth. I have confidence in you, the youth, and I pray for you. Have the courage of ‘going against the current. And also have the courage of being happy!“
I accept this challenge and you?
translated from Portuguese