Very busy but here are some brief impressions of my WYD trip so far: Eastern Europe is beautiful. The infrastructure is good and well maintained. Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, Prague and all we have seen of Poland has been impressive. People here are friendly and happy to see us. Prices are around 50-60% of US for food and drink. Virtually everyone you meet, including all the service industry folks are natives. Got some history lessons as a part of our journey to Krakow. Our Berlin guide when giving us the Reichstag tour told us that terror does not just come from the barrel of a gun but also from a knock on the door at night and being taken to a prison with no hope of due process. Auschwitz speaks for itself. Our Polish guide lived under the communist regime and described her first visit to West Germany after the Wall came down as “moving from a black and white world into a technicolor one”. These are powerful history lessons that our youth might now have heard stated this way to them before.
All the churchs are impressive and are built for singing. Acoustics great. Mass liturgies are orthodox, have not seen a liturgical dancer yet. :) Krakow has been a great host. Security is excellent. Lots of unarmed security “aids” for traffic and crowd control. National police have normal two man patrols plus they have 3 man patrol with UZIs. Additionally, the Defence Force has a large presence including snipers at the main venue. They even have a military exhibit in the town square where you can meet and talk with the soldiers and see their equipment. Great idea.
This year’s WYD theme is Mercy. Christ is at the center of all things here. These young people’s faith and devotion is very real. They love going to daily Mass. Singing and prayer comes as naturally as breathing to them. They are also leaders and will lead prayers and praise and worship activities. Even with long days, long walks and large crowds, they remain joyful. It is a pleasure to be with them although my 62 year old body is working hard to keep up with them.
Nationalism is encouraged here with all groups sporting their own country’s flag. Our group has both a US and CA flag. Chants of USA are heard along with all the other country’s unique chants. Lot’s of laughing and joy between the groups. The Italians have the “spirit” award so far as they are a walking party. Honorable mention to the Lebanon group I saw that seemed particularly happy to be totally surrounded by fellow Christians.
The events are impressive and you can see then on EWTN. There is a full orchestra plus at least 200 in the choir. Their sound and the sound system is as good as the Hollywood Bowl but about 30 times larger in area. The opening Mass was in Polish with some Latin but when the bread and wine was Consecrated, the whole assembly of hundred of thousands went totally silent. I mean I heard no human sound. Very moving and impressive. The song after Communion was “Jesus Christ, you are my life” which everyone knew and the place was rocking with flags a waving.
In addition to the large events, smaller venues are used separated language. Bishop Barron did one that included a Eucharist Procession and Adoration to music and also silence. Very well done. Bishop Barron also spoke of the murder of Fr. Jacques and told the group that their Faith cannot be some private thing that they do not share with the world and we must be the salt, yeast and light. He was well received.
Pope Francis had a quick welcoming ceremony last night with hundreds of thousands or more of us. I got to see the roof of the papal vehicle as it went by :). I will comment more after his closing Mass on Sunday. I want to get feedback from the group to share with you.
Finally, the best “line” of our trip so far came when our overall leader was having us gather for a group picture. She was getting us set up and reminded us that if you can’t see the camera, it can’t see you. Out of our group, a young man yelled, “but Sister, I can’t see the camera” and everyone started to laugh as this man is totally blind! He is a real trooper, goes everywhere with us and has a beautiful positive attitude. He also has a good voice and has cantered one Mass.
Hope to give another update on Sunday. “Jesus I trust in You!”