A few months ago I received an email from a friend back home in New Jersey inviting me to attend the Papal Youth Rally, which was held last Saturday at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York. I immediately accepted said invitation with the mindset, “who can turn down an invitation to the Pope?”
At the time I was honored, but I wasn’t thinking about it constantly as I had a few months and many things to do in between. However, as April 19 approached, the anticipation began to build. As I began reading various reports from various news outlets, both mainstream or secular and those with religious affiliations, there was one constant thought running through my mind was, “you will be there, you will be there.” As the anticipation began to build it became to a point where it was almost overwhelming in a way. The night before, I could not sleep.
On the day of the event, I woke up on my own, gathered my multitude of religious artifacts and hit the road. Then there was an hour plus bus ride to the racetrack in Yonkers. Where we then boarded another bus that would take us to the seminary grounds. Once leaving the shuttle bus, there was the mandatory and understandably necessary security check, but then I was free to soak in the wonderful day.
For the majority of the day there was a massive concert. A wide variety of performers took the stage. Many of them would be classified as Christian bands, but there were also some mainstream pop singers, most notably, Kelly Clarkson. Included in the group were two Catholic priests who rapped. As the day went on, the buzz from the entire crowd continued to grow.
After the concert was concluded there was approximately a half hour of time until the Pope arrived. During this half hour many of the Bishops present went out into the crowd and greeted those in attendance. During this time, everyone seemed to be on edge, knowing that the Pope could arrive at any moment. Knowing that the months of waiting would soon come to an end.
Then it happened, well sort of happened. The Pope first appeared on the big screens on the stage, in his limo, where he first entered the main seminary chapel. Where upon he blessed a group of children. Then it happened, suddenly the famous Popemobile came out and carried the Pope to the stage. When he first came out onto the stage, the crowd erupted. It reminded me of a major sporting event. This general cheering would go on for minutes, and then would pick up again in random, but appropriate moments throughout the rest of the rally.
Once the Pope was settled and the cheering died down, the program continued. The program first began with a few very eloquent words given by Cardinal Egan of the Archdiocese of New York, welcoming the Pope to the seminary and rally.
Following the Cardinal’s welcome, numerous children each took turns presenting gifts to the Pope in honor of his 81st birthday and 3rd anniversary of being installed as Pope. His birthday was actually earlier in the week, but Saturday was the actual anniversary. The gifts included a variety of breads as well as a series of paintings of the various Saints, Blesseds and Venerables, who all served in the Archdiocese of New York. What was particularly moving about this part of the program was the moment after the youth gave their speeches detailing the lives of those Saints, Blesseds, and Venerables. After speaking, each youth approached and greeted the Pope and received a rosary. Witnessing this moment was quite moving on it’s own.
Next the crowd was honored with being able to sing three songs for the Pope. The first, Happy Birthday, but it was sung in Benedict’s native language, German. The next song, America the Beautiful, which was a powerful moment, as always. Lastly a hymn, Pan De Vida, which translates to bread of life in English. What was interesting to watch during these songs was how that energy and enthusiasm that had been present a few minutes earlier seemed to be directly translated into an enthusiasm for singing. One of the other cool parts of this experience is that now, not only will I be able to say I have seen the Pope, but that I have sung Happy Birthday to the Pope, makes for a nice, random anecdote.
Finally, we get to what was definitely the second best moment of the day for me personally, but was the best part for others who I talked to afterwards. It was time for Pope Benedict XVI to address the crowd. He gave a phenomenal speech. The speech opened up with a discussion of Benedict’s own experiences as a youth under the Nazi Regime in Germany. He then transitioned into a discussion of truth in freedom. Where he ultimately stated that truth was Jesus Christ.
His Holiness next discussed four ways for one to live out their faith. First, there was personal prayer. In this he also discussed the need for silent contemplation. Secondly, liturgical prayer, which can be found in the sacraments and mass. Next, spoke of charity in action. This is the commonly known idea of serving those in need. Lastly, he spoke on vocations. Not only did he discuss the vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, but also the vocation of marriage. His discussion of the vocation to the priesthood drew quite the roar from the crowd which included seminarians from all across the country. Pope Benedict XVI ended his speech by encouraging all those present to go out and be courageous in living their faith.
Earlier I mentioned that the speech was my second favorite part of the entire day, which leaves the question, what was my favorite part of the day? Well, that came directly after the speech. At that time, the entire crowd, choir, cantor, Bishops, Cardinals and His Holiness himself all joined in praying the Litany of the saints. Personally, when everyone was praying this beautiful prayer, there was a certain feeling in the air. Everyone I could see was truly into the prayer, the idea of 23,000 people praying together with the Pope and Cardinals was quite spiritually overwhelming. As the prayer was going on, I almost didn’t want it to ever end. That prayer turned out to be by far one of the most powerful moments in my life and spiritual or faith journey.
Editor’s Note:
Many apologies for the lack of posting and delay for this story. The experience was so intense and great that I wanted to make sure I did the experience justice. I still don’t believe I have done that, but I gave it my best shot.
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI's Address to the youth at the Papal Youth Rally can be found here.
