My World Youth Day Saga

Editor’s Note: Here is a tale from our DC Herald volunteer, MJ Olea of DAYCA.

In 1995, I have encountered the presence of Blessed John Paul II from afar in his papal mobile at the Luneta Park in Manila. My father carried me on his shoulders just for me to see. Never did I think that when I grow up, I could see the face of the present Pope of the Young, Pope Francis just five steps away from the place where I stood…close enough to glimpse His Holiness.

The 28th World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was truly a grace for me when I was chosen to be part of the Episcopal Commission on Youth-Philippines (ECY) Delegation Youth Minister’s Sub-Group representing the Mindanao Region.

My immense gratitude, to the Pontifical Council of the Laity (Vatican) and ECY-Philippines, for bestowing their utmost support financially and spiritually, in preparation for this opportune time to have a memorable pilgrimage of faith.
It has been a long journey of about 25-hour flight from the Philippines. As the plane smoothly landed, a gaze from the clouds…the open-arm image of Christ the Redeemer at the top of Corcovado welcomed us with love.

The World Youth Day celebration is not only an opportunity to undergo a major faith experience, but more of the hope that the young people will also do our part as missionaries and disciples to our brothers and sisters leading them closer to Christ – the greatest Love and Gift of God, for us.

Go and Make Disciples of All Nations
This year’s World Youth Day theme taken from the Gospel of Matthew, invites us to go back to our origins for us to live and share the faith with our fellow brothers and sisters not only those who are already in the church, but also, to the unchurched.

Pope Francis stated, “The Church needs you.” Young people are the Church’s youthful face that shines and makes it “younger” in the joyfulness of its members. For this reason, the Church through WYD, offers a privileged place where young Christians can witness and eagerly speak to others from all around the world that following Christ, and actively participating in His Church, is worthwhile.
How to make disciples?

First, is to become a witness. Everyone is called to “make disciples of all nations”. Making disciples is not something beyond the reality lived by young people. On the contrary, it is possible to make disciples in our own family, in our relationship, in our respective parishes, in social media, through the culture, through the liturgy, and many others.

As Pope Francis shared, “Let the seed of God enter in your lives…we are His disciples…we are the field of faith…Let us not be a FACADE Christian but an AUTHENTIC Christian..” it made me even realized that I belong to the field of faith that is in work or under construction, in a way to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. It has given me a challenge to live in accordance to His will, in accordance with the Sacraments that I have received, and to be a full-bloomed protagonist of change in the world of relativism and uncertainty.

Witnessing in action
Through humble and simple ways, I can be of help in extending my capabilities as a youth servant leader in going back to serve in the parish, most especially on my free time, to go back to the basics of our Catholic Teachings, to know more about faith, so that I may share it with others in humility and sincerity.

As I continue to be of service with the Lord, I will strive to become a servant. In the face of trials and hardships, I will be steadfast, patient and humble knowing that His Great Love overflows for His faithful disciples.
We go as we come into the world in discipleship unafraid to share the Good News of Salvation and we serve for His glory alone. May the Pilgrim’s spirit sustain in me.