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Hello again (Finally!)

Now that I am back in the States, I have internet access again!  My blog was not nearly what I hoped because I only had internet access once.  If anyone is still interested, I am going to reflect on my WYD experience and discuss the events in which I participated.  Throughout the coming week, I will add entries with details about my travels to Sydney; and, now that I have had time to prayerfully reflect on them, my insights on their affect on my life and the life of the Church.

Back to the beginning...the Opening Mass, Tuesday, July 15.  Opening Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Pell from Australia.  The International Liturgy Group spent most of Monday rehersing, and were all excited to finally be participating in the real thing!  My role during this event was to carry the United States flag in the flag procession.  While at first I saw this role as minimal, carrying the flag had a greater impact on me than I imagined...

Initially, whenever I introduced myself to someone in the ILG group, they would say, "Ooo, the American," in a sarcastic tone.  They wanted to know if I use my daddy's credit card to buy everything or if I only take cabs and never walk.  In other words, the impression of Americans among the members of this international group was that every young American is spoiled and rich.  I almost became embarrassed to say my nationality.  During the flag procession, this feeling changed... 

The United States had the second largest delegation of any country represented at World Youth Day (only Australia brought more young people.)  I knew this because I had assisted many group leaders and pilgrims from the USA.  But when I carried the flag and heard SO many people chanting "USA, USA!!!"  I was overwhelmed.  The Catholic faith is alive in our country and those cheering voices proved it.  The young people there were proud to be American and proud to be Catholic...and I was honored to represent them.  Walking through the crowds, carrying the American flag, I realized what a great blessing it was to be on the International Liturgy Committee and represent young, American Catholics.  Looking at those happy, chanting faces full of energy, I saw the face of the young American Church.  The Catholic American is much different from the pop-culture American that people around the world get their stereotypes from.  We are ready to work hard and joyfully continue the mission of the Church to spread the Kingdom of God in our society.   

The rest of the Opening Mass was beautiful.  Set on the Sydney Harbour right at the water's edge, the location depicted the wonder of God's creation.  Cardinal Pell gave a moving homily, and the Aboriginal Australians performed a traditional dance to welcome everyone to their land.  The ILG group sat right next to the stage so we had a clear view of the entire ceremony!  However, the aspect of that Opening Mass which I will never forget was the flag procession and the hope and energy I saw in the young face of the American Catholic Church.

More to come soon about my experiences on Day 2... 

Peace and Prayers,

Annalee

"America! America!  God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!"