North American Malankara Catholic Pilgrims at World Youth Day 2011
This past summer marked the 4th World Youth Day that MCYM-NA has partaken in. Begun by Pope John Paul II in 1985, this international gathering meant for Catholic youth has been occurring every 2-3 years in various countries all over the world.Malankara Catholic youth have joined youth from all over the world in celebration of our faith for the past 3 WYDs, held in Canada, Germany, Australia, This past WYD held in Madrid, Spain in August 2011, marks the presence of the largest MCYM group that has attended WYD. Nearly 20 youth, from the Chicago, Rockland, New Rochelle and Toronto missions, joined about 1.5 million brothers and sisters from around the world in experiencing the community, faith and youthfulness of our Mother Church alongside our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
MCYM members joined youth of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and the Jesus Youth movement, for a group of nearly 200 young people and families. Preceding and following the actual WYD, many pilgrims were able to take part in pilgrimages to visit Rome, Assisi, Lanciano, and Fatima among others. Just before WYD began, all the pilgrims attended Youth Arise International Festival, an event preceding every WYD, that serves to prepare and orient pilgrims to the journey which they were beginning to undertake.
In the heart of Spain, this WYD was a remarkable mix of faith, culture and just plain old fun. Pilgrims were able to experience various dimensions of their faith through catechesis sessions led by various Bishops, various exhibitions, talks and concerts, and even spending the Night Vigil with the Holy Father outdoors amidst an unpredicted storm. This amazing opportunity allowed youth from all over the World to really understand what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. Although our Syro-Malankara Church is one of the smallest rites in the Church today, each pilgrim was amazed at our place in the communion we have with such a unique and diverse Church. The hearts of our pilgrims with joy, awe and a sense of belonging as youth in this universal Catholic Church.
The next WYD is slated to be in held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the summer of 2013. So everyone mark your calendars and start saving money for another opportunity to celebrate our Catholic faith and the years of our youth with our brothers and sisters from all around the World!