- Reflection from July 13 - 20, 2003 -

By Neil MacCarthy, Catholic Youth Director, Archdiocese of Toronto

While I'll never have to live through labour, for me, World Youth Day was much like the birth of a child - at times you had an upset stomach, sometimes you were nervous, most of all you just hoped it would be healthy and happy. Yet somehow, this baby born in July 2002 was so very different from the rest.

WYD was an inclusive experience. From those who volunteered to host families & benefactors, people of all ages were engaged in a unifying event related to our faith. Many across North America hosted pilgrims in transit or for Days in the Diocese prior to WYD. The presence of pilgrims meant people had to work together - more than a handshake at the sign of peace - rolling up your sleeves and co-operating, often in heroic ways. When 260 Africans show up unexpectedly on your doorstep, you get to know your neighbours, whether they're Catholic, Anglican or Mormon.

WYD provided a safe outlet for young people to express their faith. Pilgrims weren't handing out bibles on the street or begging people to convert on the subway - they lived their faith through their actions. Hospitality, reflection and celebration - kind of reminds you of what Jesus did, telling the crowds not to speak of his daily works. Yet the crowds were mesmerized.

No matter where you're from, if you knew someone who attended WYD, chances are you were affected. A pilgrim returning home to share their faith experience can't help but make others take stock of their own journey. Like the disciples at Pentecost, off they went speaking in their native tongue, through personal testimony, witness, photographs. Perhaps that is the most powerful impact World Youth Day will have - challenging others to take up their cross, examining how the thread of faith can be woven through their own lives.

World Youth Day demonstrated the ability of young people to lead, inspire, and pray - in short, to be salt and light. Youth ministry is about more than guitars and cook-outs. Church ministries are realizing the importance of young people around their table - not to clean up or check coats but to offer input, ideas, serve in ministry. We've graduated from the card table to sit with the grown ups and boy does it feel good.

WYD allowed the hierarchy of the Church to extend its hand to youth, providing the platform to dialogue, celebrate and listen to young people. Bishops walking along a gravel road with teens, Cardinals having a meal with young adults - let's hope we can continue to break down barriers and build community with all members of the body of Christ.

Before World Youth Day, I had started a daily countdown on the board in my office. Funny thing - it still has July 23, 2002 written on it. We know that January 1st marks the beginning of a new year. Yet somehow for me, July 23rd was the beginning - not of a year, but of a faith journey that hundreds of thousands from around the world began together. A journey that will continue for a lifetime!

(Neil MacCarthy worked on World Youth Day for the Archdiocese of Toronto and is the author of "Getting It Together: Faith, Hope & Youth")