Thousands upon thousands of young people from all over the world filled St. John Paul II field in Panama. They arrived with enthusiasm and joy in order to experience the vigil of World Youth Day together with Pope Francis.
The pope toured the field in the popemobile greeting and blessing the young pilgrims.
The celebration began with several testimonies from people such as this young Palestinian woman; a mother who was recommended to abort her daughter who has Down syndrome; and a young man who had suffered drug addiction.
The pope spoke to the young people in his own native tongue. He explained what life proposed by Christ is like.
POPE FRANCIS
“This life is not a salvation up 'in the cloud' and waiting to be downloaded, a new “app” to be discovered, or a technique of mental self-improvement. Still less is it a 'tutorial' for finding out the latest news.”
Pope Francis assured them that God awaits their “yes,” just as the Blessed Mother did, the protagonist of a great love story.
POPE FRANCIS
“Obviously, the young woman of Nazareth was not part of the 'social networks' of the time. She was not an 'influencer,' but without wanting or trying to, she became the most influential woman in history. Mary, the 'influencer' of God. We can tell her, with the confidence of children, Mary, the 'influencer' of God.”
The pope explained that to say “yes” also means to embrace life as it comes, with its fragility and even with its contradictions. This is why he asked the pilgrims these questions.
POPE FRANCIS
“Is not someone who is disabled or fragile worthy of love? I ask you: is a disabled person or a fragile person worthy of love?”
“Yes.”
“I can't hear you well.”
“Yes”
“You got it. Another question, let's see how you respond: is someone who is a foreigner, made a mistake in life, sick or in prison worthy of love?”
“Yes.”
Pope Francis insisted on the importance of giving opportunities to young people and also making them feel they exist. This is why he invited everyone not to abandon young people and to look at them with the eyes of God.
POPE FRANCIS
“We know well that to feel acknowledged or loved it is not enough to be connected all day long. To feel respected and asked to get involved is greater than simply being 'on-line.' It means finding spaces where, with your hands, your heart and your head, you can feel part of a larger community that needs you and that you yourselves need.”
The pope asked everyone to be the authentic “influencers” of the 21st century, “'influencer' like Mary.”
Afterward, came the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The monstrance that contained the body of Christ was neither gold nor silver. It was made by a Colombian sculptor, Armando Granjawith, using melted bullet shells.
All the young people in St. John Paul II field gathered in deep prayer for half an hour. The silence ended with this prayer in front of Our Lady of Fatima statue and this moving song of the Hail Mary prayer.
