The theme for today is ‘go’, and so we went! We had quite a busy morning planned so after sampling the delights of a Portuguese breakfast of coffee and pastries we set out into the city. First on our list was to be officially registered as WYD pilgrims so a quick metro ride to the registration point at the Catholic University of Portugal. Even here we met fellow pilgrims from all around the world and shared in their joy to be here and to answer the call to rise up and ‘go’ to this momentous gathering. We may have only just started but it feels as though the party atmosphere has been building from the moment the first pilgrims set foot in Lisbon. It is a joy so tangible that people can do nothing but jump for joy, sing and dance. I suppose it reminds me of John the Baptist jumping for joy when he heard the voice of Mary as she entered Elizabeth’s house. I think we must keep this feeling going, recognising the face of Christ in each pilgrim so that we can jump for joy when we encounter each other throughout the day.
After registering and making use of the meal voucher system, we took to the streets of Lisbon to find our way around before heading to the Eduardo VII park in preparation for the opening mass. We found a suitably shaded spot with a great view of the main stage, and settled in to wait for the Mass to begin. Our theme of encounters continued here as we quickly made friends with the pilgrims to our left and right, those from El Salvador, South Africa and Spain. For me it becomes so clear that the joy of this Gospel encounter transcends all language and nationality. It is, as the Cardinal Patriarch would later say in his homily, a ‘sincerity in the greeting we exchange, so that we may be people among people, in a mutual and constant visitation’. Maybe for us as Carmelites this is particularly important. Desiring to be in the midst of the people, we must do so with sincerity and a Christ centred vision. Recognising not only the person before us, but the image of God’s self which God presents to us in the other, and the joyful encounter with that presence which speaks to our heart.
This is my 3rd WYD and I am still amazed (and to be honest slightly overwhelmed) by the number of young Catholics who make the journey to the host country. Even more moving for me is that this great multitude can move from thunderous applause to sheer silence in seconds. No more so than in the celebration of the Eucharist. Again for us as Carmelites it reminds us that yes God speaks to us in the joyfully sound of cheering and singing, but that God can transform this to silence where God speaks to us in an almost deafening silence. I’m sure that today will not be the only example I find of this during the week. It may only be a silent smile to another whose language I do not know, or the noisy greeting with someone that I have not seen for years, but I will know that it has been a genuine, Marian – like encounter.
Matthew Janvier O.Carm
