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The Experience of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto
By Fr. Juan Noite, S.C.J.
(Venezuela/Portugal)
In 1984, John Paul II started the interesting phenomenon of having young people gather together from all over the world for a World Youth Day (WYD). This summer the WYD took place in Toronto, from July 18th until 28th, and had as its theme: "You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world". Fortunately, I had a chance to be there; and in these few lines, I will tell you my experience in this gathering with thousands of young people from all over the world.
When I arrived in Toronto on July 18th, I went directly to St. Catherine's Diocese, where I spent the first few days. And, what a surprise when I found a group of young people from Portugal that I had the pleasure to meet. We stayed in host families from St. Catherine's Parish. They did everything to make us feel at home. After some activities in the diocese, we left on July 22 and went to Toronto, leaving behind so many friends and good moments.
Arriving in Toronto, we went to St. Agnes, our host parish, during the catechesis days. This parish is located in the middle of the Portuguese community in Toronto; and once again, we were hosted by families, but this time by immigrant Portuguese families. During these days, we had the catechesis with several bishops in the morning. When we finished the catechesis, we had to go to another important spot, the Exhibition Place.
In the Exhibition Place, we had our meals such as lunch and dinner where we could eat quietly. During the afternoon, we enjoyed youth festivals, performed by groups from all over the world; we could choose concerts, dances, and plays. On Thursday, July 25, the most important moment of the gathering began with the arrival of the Pope.
The days with the Pope had three special moments. The first was the reception of the Pope at the Exhibition Place; this was a simple ceremony of welcome with music, dances, and a brief speech from the Pope. The second moment was the Way of the Cross, in downtown Toronto, with a beautiful dramatization at each station. The third moment, the climax of WYD, took place during the weekend at Downsview Park.
At Downsview Park, the young pilgrims started to arrive on Saturday morning after a long walk. Here, on Saturday evening, there was a great vigil, presided by the Pope himself, with psalms, testimonies from young people, and music. It was one of the greatest moments of this WYD. On Sunday morning, the closing Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Pope; and neither the rain nor the wind deterred the young people from attending. After the Mass, in great joy, the Pope left Downsview Park, inviting all the young people for the next WYD in Cologne, Germany.
With the farewell to the Pope, the WYD was finished; but I think that something remains. In those days, I witnessed the fraternity that these young people from all over the world shared, a symbol of peace for all mankind. I believe also that this WYD was a great testimony for the youth of Toronto, especially for young people. I think this WYD could be an impulsive and great testimony for the Canadian church also, encouraging all young people to be the "Salt of the earth and the light of the world".
Priests of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart School of Theology
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