Friday, July 19, 2013

WYD Rio 2013 - We are all Missionaries

We have left for our pilgrimage to World Youth Day Rio 2013 today. We are traveling on two flights to San Paolo and the off to Rio. The excitement is unbelievable!

The first flight meets at Kellenberg Memorial for departure early in the morning. And then the second flight meets at Chaminade High School for an evening flight.

Hopefully pilgrim arrivals, baggage checks,  and security checks will run smoothly for our large group to World Youth Day. While there are so many things we will experience at such an international Catholic event, we do know we will join together with our Holy Father Francis.

He has proven to be a "people Pope." A pope who does not enjoy individualism. But one who reaches out to the poor. He is a pilgrim to World Youth Day as well.

He says to all of us:

Dear friends, I too am setting out on a journey with you, starting today, in the footsteps of Blessed John Paul II and Benedict XVI. We are already close to the next stage of this great pilgrimage of the Cross. I look forward joyfully to next July in Rio de Janeiro! I will see you in that great city in Brazil! Prepare well – prepare spiritually above all – in your communities, so that our gathering in Rio may be a sign of faith for the whole world.

May we be blessed as we begin our pilgrimage to World Youth Day. May Blessed William Joseph Chaminade protect us as we live out his message, "we are all missionaries." And may our Lady protect us as we journey to WYD Rio 2013.