World Youth Day Reflections – 8/20/2011

The United States Bishops ushered in the preparations for the evening’s vigil with the Holy Father with Mass at “Palacio de Deportes.” Sisters from CMSWR communities directed the English speaking pilgrims to the respective seating areas while bishops and priests from all over the United States greeted and thanked the Sisters for the gift of their life and consecrations. We assured them of our prayers, and they responded that this is a source of ongoing support to them and to the priesthood.

World Youth Day Reflections – 8/19/2011

Pope Benedict XVI Audience with young religious:

The Sisters boarded the bus at 5:00am to await entry into El Escorial for their audience with Pope Benedict XVI scheduled to take place at 11:30am. We arrived a little before 6:00am and were the only ones their at that time. We were permitted to wait at the entrance, and were the first ones through the threshold as soon as the pilgrims were allowed admittance. This was at about 9am. We stood for several hours awaiting the arrival of His Holiness. It was well worth it.

World Youth Day Reflections – 8/18/2011

Feastday of the Blessed Mannes, O.P. (brother of St. Dominic). Many of the Sisters spent the day at the Palacio de Deportes where they volunteered for several hours, greeting pilgrims as they arrived for Mass and the various events being hosted. some of these included catechesis sessions, praise and worship, and Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day. The “Vocations Cafe” has been highly visited through the days, and it has been impressive to see many different priests and religious from within the United States as well as from various countries.