A World without a Stranger

WORLD YOUTH DAY SERIES.

A World without a Stranger

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS AND ICON.

My desire over these next twelve months leading up to WYD in Madrid is to contribute  through this weekly WYD series by sharing about the experiences of WYD,  highlight  possible difficulties encountered during such a magnificent gathering and most importantly encourage possible pilgrims to prepare, embrace and grow from attending WYD.

Today's post and challenge is about speaking the language, but let us remind ourselves of two scripture passages related to language.  The first is as follows:

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place....
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, 
devout men from every nation under heaven.
 And at this sound the multitude came together, 

and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language...  

we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."  (Acts 2: 1,506,11).

I went to WYD in Rome without being able to speak a word of Italian.  I was billeted with an Italian lady who did not speak English. It was a struggle to communicate, but my basic French helped me, since her neighbour spoke to me in French and translated into Italian.  However, getting around was a different story- a few basic words of Italian would have helped me buy a phone card and a pizza, since it was obvious that others were served who could speak enough of the language.  I survived the experience,  but it drove me nuts not being able to communicate effectively.

For the final Mass, we all had our radios and were given headphones with a channel dedicated to our language.  This was particularly valuable in listening to the homily of the Holy Father-the late John Paul 11.
 

My second WYD was in Sydney- my home country, so speaking the language made life so much easier.

However, our group sponsored an East Timorese group. Making the effort to learn the 'Our Father’ and a hymn we could sing together as part of our welcoming preparation, meant that we were able to pray and be in solidarity with them. I am sure the pronunciation was not accurate, but they appreciated our effort to connect with them at a spiritual level, and later as we travelled with them, at a social level.

WYD is in many ways like a Pentecost experience.  There are a number of official languages for WYD, and parts of the Mass are said in those languages.  There is nothing more delightful waiting in expectation to hear  our Holy Father speak in our own language, as well as enjoying the delight it gives other pilgrims to hear him speak their language as he welcomes us to WYD. 

The second Scripture passage is also worth reflecting upon in the light of the WYD experience.

There are doubtless many different languages in the world, 
and none is without meaning;  

but if I do not know the meaning of the language, 

I shall be a foreigner to the speaker 
and the speaker a foreigner to me. 
So, with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, 

strive to excel in building up the church. [1 Cor 14:10-12]

So now the big count down is on.. twelve months to go.  My WYD challenge this week is to consider learning some Spanish- some basic travelling expressions, as well as perhaps some familiarity with some prayers such as the 'Our Father' or other part of the Mass.  Why not check out this resource 

Preparation at many levels is vital if you wish to get the most from the WYD experience. Language is just one, yet an important one to consider.

I hope that you may consider this week's challenge as part of your preparation.

  

May you experience WYD as 'A World without a Stranger'.