[NYer]

The Pontiff said the words of Christ taken as the theme of World Youth Day 2008 -- "You Will Receive Power When the Holy Spirit Has Come Upon You and You Will be My Witnesses” -- "were the very last words which Jesus spoke before his Ascension into heaven."

"How the Apostles felt upon hearing them, we can only imagine," said Benedict XVI. "But we do know that their deep love for Jesus, and their trust in his word, prompted them to gather and to wait; to wait not aimlessly, but together, united in prayer, with the women and Mary in the Upper Room.

[NYer]

"Tonight, we do the same. Gathered before our much-traveled cross and the icon of Mary, and under the magnificent constellation of the Southern Cross, we pray."

In case you missed it, unlike Cologne Germany 3 years ago, that had been coordinated by the other Marini, there were no stiltwalkers - no jugglers - no clowns. There was total silence! Youth respond to what is presented, not what is expected. When you give them reverence, they respond like moths to a flame.

God bless Pope Benedict XVI! May these lights be carried by the youth back to their homelands, parishes and communities. May they be witnesses to this beautiful experience!