Getting to know the Pope as my friend.

WORLD YOUTH DAY SERIES.

World Youth Day Cross and Icon.

Getting to know the Pope as my friend.

Whether you are going to WYD in Madrid or not, it is important to feel that the Pope is not just a figure head for the Church, but a real human being like ourselves. We need to become acquainted with him as a 'friend', so that the experience at WYD is enriched (if we are attending as pilgrims). 

Despite the massive crowds at any WYD, there is always a sense of the closeness of the Pope to the people at a spiritual and emotional level. This sense of closeness is not diminished by physical vastness at all.  Should you be fortunate to be allocated seats in relative close proximity to him, then count your blessings.  Fear not, if you are far away from him- you can still be close at a spiritual and emotional level.

So how are you going to get to know the pope before you go to Madrid? A good read is always a great starting point as it gives you insight into the person and also into his style of writing. These two books are just two which are well worth a read to help you come 'friends' with our Holy Father.

You might wonder why bother to become 'friends' with the Pope? 

As a pilgrim, you are going to spend the week with him at the various main events held during WYD.  If you put in some effort to prepare to meet him whether it be at a physical closeness or distance,  you will find your WYD experience enhanced as you will be greeting and meeting a friend not just a pope who is remote from you.

I remember still with goose bumps the arrival of Pope Benedict coming up the Sydney harbour in 2008. Our pope had finally reached my own country, and as host country for WYD, our pride in wanting his stay to be the best was paramount.

So, for your first preparation activity for 2011, why not get to know the pope as a friend- do some research, read what others have said, and be ready to greet him. because you have already taken him into your heart . After all, you would kick yourself if the pope mobile stopped near you and the pope spoke to you and you were speechless.

On a personal level, I found that both at WYD in Rome in 2000 and Sydney 2008, the effort of getting to know the pope through research and reading resulted as a benefit at the spiritual level.  Praying for the pope's intentions became no longer just a phrase, but became more personal and realistic. Also, when his name is mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, I observed my prayer for him seemed more sincere and heart felt. Years later, I still smile inwardly at Mass as his name is mentioned as I flash back to WYD and the crowd in unison calling in full voice Benedicto...or Bene Bene Bene (the Aussie version) or in the case of our late Holy Father- JP2 we love you.!!

From now to WYD in Madrid, pilgrims need to be getting ready on all levels- physical, emotional, spiritual and of course financial.  I read our local catholic paper recently and one of the headings took my eye- one that I hope you as a pilgrim will consider as part of your preparation journey.

NO SPAIN-  NO GAIN.