www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News Alex's WYD Report

Dear Friends,

I apologise for what some might see as my angry tone in some posts regarding my obsession with "relevance" etc.

The experiences I've had at WYD have literally transformed me.

I'm out there with some of other young people to see if they can teach me how I may live Christianity as they do.

I feel incredibly happy and blessed, both by the Pope and these zealots.

I apologise for appearing disrespectful as I don't mean to be.

It is just that some of the issues on Eastern this and Latin that no longer interest me.

So I'll leave well enough alone.

Right now, I have a catechetical meeting to go to.

I'm not the same person I was. Thank God!

Alex

Dear Alex:

It might be preposterous for me to claim that I am the only one touched by your "epiphany".

I am certain this bodes well for so many, if not all, of us here!

AmdG

Alex wrote:


Maybe this was discussed elsewhere...Did any Orthodox get involved or make comments?

Dave Ignatius DTBrown@aol.com

Hi Alex!

I havent been here lately so this may be a bit late. Anyways I thank you for recieving that Apostolic Blessing from the Vicar of Christ.

It did wondrous things to me. No wonder I've been having good, no very good days lately, spiritualy, emotionaly, physicaly, even my relatives! WOW!

Long Live The Pope!

At my accomodations place, there was a group of Melkites from Ss, Peter & Paul in Ottawa (http://Melkite.com) and among them there were Orthodox that had permission to reveive communion. They loved the event, but of course didn't look to the Pope the same way as we did. Although they did conced that they though very highly of him. God Bless!

IC XC NIKA,
-Nik!
"That guy with that website"

Dear Nik,

Could you tell us more about how these Orthodox received such permission?

I guess they were "Orthodox AT communion with the Pope."

Alex

Dear Hooded Man,

Funny you should say that, others have told me similar things in conjunction with the blessing of the Pope that I passed on.

My life has certainly not been the same!

Alex

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Alex,

As for one I spoke to, he asked his priest who asked the bishop, who okayed it. Then he asked the Melkite Catholic priest they were with if it was okay, and he told him how any Orthodox is allowed to receive in any Catholic Church as long as they have permission from their bishop.

I understand that in their home country that intercommunion of laity isn't so rare. God Bless!

IC XC NIKA,
-Nik!

Dear Nik,

This reminds me of those Orthodox in Ukraine (of the "uncanonical" Churches of course ) who received a blessing from their hierarchs to attend the Papal services.

I once received similar permission to approach the Mysteries from an Orthodox bishop.

I think that was just because we liked each other so much .

He made such an impression on me. Almost like the Pope!

Alex

Alex

Just a thought [ well question really] since this is all so fresh still in your mind.

Just why were all those young folk so enthusiastic about their faith ? I mean these are the youth that we all try to attract to the Church - and there[ at least here] seems to be a lack of that age group at our services. But there - they were packed in - almost drowning at their overnight vigil - but they were there and so obviously happy to be there - and they showed the Holy Father how they loved him and appreciated his presence - so WHY ?

Dear Angela,

It seemed to me that these pilgrims did represent the "cream of the crop" and the Catholic youth elite of the world, but I could be wrong (it's happened before).

Certainly, there was the "fun" aspect to WYD, the sleeping bags, hanging out with friends, getting to meet all those people from different countries, touring our beautiful and exquisite City of Toronto . . .

But these young pilgrims were also lining up to go to confession (no "General Absolution" for them you know!).

They were carrying large rosary beads and crucifixes. They were distinguished by the red strap of their back-packs and their special pilgrim crosses they wore on a cord.

They attended Mass daily at the local churches and went to Communion.

They prayed on the subway and in groups sitting on the lawns of parks.

Some had their Daily Office and other prayerbooks.

Their smiles enlivened the dullness of Toronto in a heat wave, the second hottest July on record!

Why all this? Maybe they're just strange?

Alex

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Alex,

As I promised to alert you (and anyone else that would like to read it) I just posted my in-depth WYD experience at World Youth Day at http://YourCatholic.com - so if anyone wants to read it, its there for their reading pleasure. God Bless!

IC XC NIKA,
-Nik!

Dear Nik,

An excellent and inspiring account, Servant of Christ!

I may have overlooked this before, but are you actively considering pursuing a vocation in our Church as a Deacon/Priest?

Alex

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Thank you Alex,I'm glad you thought so highly of my detailed account.

While I cannot say that I am actively considering such a thing, especially as I don't know enough Ukrainian but it is something I am considering in perhaps 10 years or so. And I'd probably want to trot up to Toronto before doing so as well, as I'd be good priest & good church country as well as on the good calendar.

The reason being for the delay, is that I raise my 9 year old daughter on my own, and I've got to get her off to the convent or college before I could possibly consider such a thing, as she's only got me here at home and I can't give up out time together for classes in addition to making an income.

May I ask what intregued you to ask? God Bless!

IC XC NIKA,
-Nik!

Dear Nik,

I'd be lying if I said it was your beard . . .

You have a sacerdotal way about you, Big Guy, which is very pastoral and calm.

You'd make a great priest!

Alex