Pope After John X

World Youth Day pilgrims rev up for travels

One-hundred-and-twenty youth and adults will be led by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of South Bend on a 12-day spiritual pilgrimage through Europe that will culminate in Madrid, Spain, for the five-day World Youth Day event Aug. 16-21 — the 12th event held since 1986.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Rhoades who was joined at the altar by newly ordained Fathers Terrance and Matt Coonan, Father Drew Curry, Father Paul Bueter and Franciscan Father David Engo, all of whom are scheduled to travel to Spain.

The congregation that gathered had truly begun their pilgrimage of prayer. Warsaw had been hit by severe storms earlier in the day that rendered Sacred Heart Church without power.

Without benefit of air conditioning, lights or audio system, the Mass brought the group back to basics. Fortunately the oppressive heat did not dampen the prayerfulness or joy of these faithful travelers who chuckled as Bishop Rhoades admitted, “This is a good way to start a pilgrimage — with a little hardship.”

Miraculously, the power came on part way through the bishop’s homily, much to everyone’s delight.

During his homily, Bishop Rhoades spoke of the theme of World Youth Day chosen by Pope Benedict XVI from Col. 2:7, “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith,”

“Think about those words — We’re here because we’re rooted in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Rhoades said.

“We all need to be built up in Jesus Christ. All seek to follow, but all can grow in faith and be firm. That’s why we’re going,” Bishop Rhoades said, adding that he hoped that the pilgrims would all be changed when they returned from their spiritual journey.

“You’re going to experience the Church like you never have,” he said.

Bishop Rhoades informed the rapt pilgrims of the historic locations they would be visiting on this trip abroad and spoke briefly of the many saints that enrich the ancient history of Europe, including St. Bernadette of Lourdes, France, St. Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross and St. Therese of Avilla.

Turning to the Gospel, Bishop Rhoades identified Mary Magdelene as one of closest disciples to Jesus, who chose her to be the first to see Him in His glorified body after His resurrection. “Then, she went to tell the Apostles. … Isn’t that our vocation? To have a close relationship with Jesus and bring His message of love to others?” the bishop challenged.

'Young Swiss Guards' to greet Pope for World Youth Day :: Catholic ...

.- Sixty children dressed in the uniform of the Swiss Guards will welcome Pope Benedict XVI during World Youth Day this August in Madrid.

The director of the group, nicknamed the “Young Swiss Guards,” told Fides news agency that the group was born out of affection for the Pope after John Paul II’s first visit to Spain in 1982.

Bl. John Paul II visited the country again in 1993 and 2003, always accompanied by the young Swiss Guards.

The group will welcome the Pope at the airport in Barajas, Spain and will greet him there at the end of World Youth Day.

Their uniforms took about 5,000 hours of work to create and used more than 450 meters of fabric and 4,200 meters of fabric tape.

Unlike their young imitators, the Pontifical Swiss Guards number 110 and are responsible for the Pope’s safety. They guard his home and assist him during important ceremonies celebrated in the Vatican.

The guard marked its 505th anniversary in January. On Jan. 22, 1506, 150 Swiss soldiers entered the Vatican at the request of Pope Julius II. It is the oldest standing army in the world.

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