I suppose that it is at this moment, now the final events of WYD 2023 have ended (the overnight vigil and Mass with the Pope), that we begin to look back upon the week and reflect upon what has happened. To take the WYD theme one step further, I think we should call this the ‘pondering’ stage. One where we acknowledge all that has happened, and begin to ponder it so that we may understand the gift that has been given. Like Mary, we must treasure all these things in our heart, and it is these things that Pope Francis spoke of when he asked us to ponder ‘what will we take back with us to the valley of our daily lives’? To shine, to listen and and to not be afraid were the Pope’s message to us. They were his verbs of transformation that will help us as we return home.
Over this week we have formed a little community, by no means the largest here in Lisbon, but a community nonetheless! And it has become clear this week that Pope Francis’ words have been drawn to the centre of it. The call to listen and to not be afraid, I think have been core to our community. Listening to each other’s needs and wants but also not being afraid to be who we really are. Only then, when we are being ourselves (as God has called us by name to be) we have shone. I have no doubt that this will continue when we leave. Not only between our WYD community, but in each and every encounter that we make from this moment onwards.
To give the final thoughts of this series of blogs to Pope Francis, we must remember that it is the light of Christ that gives us strength. It lifts us each time we fall and it is the light of hope that reminds us ‘do not fear, do not fear, do not fear…for there is only one free thing, the love of Jesus.’
Matthew Janvier O.Carm
