WYD Madrid 2011: Stay in focus

August 16^th marked the start of the World Youth Day (WYD) in Madrid. A Youth for a United World commented: “You know, I was on the bus and I was really moved to see a group of young people dressed in the WYD T-shirts, carrying their colourful backpacks and waving their flags... They were normal young people, like everyone else... and then I realized that all (or almost) these young people are here not for a holiday, not to visit Madrid, not for the Pope, but… FOR GOD!! So, I wished myself and all the youth around me to stay in focus and open our heart to Him, because this is the only thing that matters!! This is a very strong moment for me!!”

Cardinal Rylko’s (PCPL) opening address to the youth gathered in Cibeles square, central Madrid, underlined the importance of these days together in union with God:“You have come to this meeting with the Holy Father Benedict XVI bringing with you all your plans and hopes, as well as your concerns and apprehensions about the choices that lie ahead. These will be days that you will never forget, days of important discoveries and decisions that will be decisive for your future.

Our reflection and prayer over the next few days will be guided by the words of Saint Paul that you know so well: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf Col 2:7). This is very demanding because it contains a definite life plan for each one of us. Faith will be at the centre of our reflection at this time. Faith is a decisive factor in each person’s life. Everything changes according to whether God exists or not. Faith is like a root that is nourished by the lifeblood of the word of God and the sacraments. It is the foundation, the rock on which life is built, the dependable compass that guides our choices and gives clear direction to our lives.

Many of us might wonder: in our world today where God is often rejected and people live as if God did not exist, is it still possible to have faith?

Dear young people! You are gathered here in Madrid after having come from the most remote corners of the planet. You have come to say aloud to the whole world – and in particular to Europe which is showing signs of being very lost – your unwavering "yes"! Yes, faith is possible. It is in fact a wonderful adventure that allows us to discover the magnitude and beauty of our lives. This is because God, revealed in the face of Christ, does not put human beings down. God exalts us beyond all measure and beyond our wildest imaginings! For the next few days, together with the apostles, we all want to shout aloud to the Lord: “Increase our faith!” (Lk 17:5). Like Saint Anselmo, we too want to pray: Lord, “Teach me to seek you, and reveal yourself to me as I seek, because I can neither seek you if you do not teach me how, nor find you unless you reveal yourself” (Proslogion 1:1).

The 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid has begun!”