Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and WYD

Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and WYD

What does the conversion of St Paul and WYD have in common? Let us examine these similarities.

1.            St Paul was God's chosen vessel for carrying His name to the whole world. At WYD the pilgrims have the responsibility to carry His name to their world in whatever way is appropriate to their vocation.

2.            St Paul and WYD follow in the way of Jesus to bring light and joy.

3.            Just as God's power was made perfect in weakness for St Paul, pilgrims find that the whole WYD experience gives them enough of God's grace and they are made stronger.

4.            The grace of God for St Paul and pilgrims is not fruitless and it remains always.

5.            Just as the Church is built on the apostles, WYD pilgrims have the experience of being one body in Christ at each of the events, especially during the vigil and Mass.

6.            Just as St Paul witnessed to his faith, WYD pilgrims have countless opportunities to witness to the truth before other pilgrims, fellow parishioners, family, friends and to all the world.

7.            Just as St Paul learnt the folly of the cross,  WYD pilgrims gain the grace to live for Christ and to glory in the cross of Christ.

8.            Just as St Paul planted the seed of faith in others, WYD pilgrims learn to sow the seed  and reap a harvest of great joy.

9.            Just as St Paul had a conversion experience, many WYD also experience an inner conversion- re-establishing Jesus as no 1 in their lives, which they find as ongoing.

Perhaps as you prepare for WYD, you might like to think of any other similarities that St Paul and WYD have in common. You may also wish to pray to St Paul to ask his help in being a 'light to the nations' .
On this feast of St Paul, may your preparation for WYD be blessed.