WORLD YOUTH DAYS, PAST AND PRESENT
Some of the best events I ever attended or covered for the Vatican, and later EWTN, were World Youth Days, the first one being in Denver, Colorado in August 1993. I could write about that event for hours, about going to bed exhausted every night but with a smile on my face, uplifted by the young people I met during the 9 days I was in Denver, and encouraged by the marvelous priests, bishops and cardinals I got to know during that time.
The last WYD I attended was Madrid in 2011. Following is a slide show of just some of the hundreds of photos I took – where the young people congregated, what they wore, how they prayed, the various catechetical sessions they attended with cardinals and bishops, how Madrid welcomed everyone, etc.
I am sure countless similar photos will be put online during the Lisbon World Youth Day!
For starters –
And these –
And finally –
There was a massive rainstorm at the vigil but Pope Benedict, covered by umbrellas, blankets, etc. refused to leave the stage because the young people were not leaving the venue. Surely the worst damage was that several thousand communion hosts (not consecrated if I recall correctly) were lost when the wind overturned some of the tabernacles in tents set up around the venue.
Luckily, sunshine dominated the concluding Mass on Sunday!
Let’s pray for the safety, health and happiness of everyone involved, from local organizers to the young people from around the world and their leaders, for all prelates present and for the Holy Father!
Joan's Rome 