Saturday, August 13, 2011

The Catholic Olympics

It's Saturday night, and for the first time we get to gather with all of the peregrinos (pilgrims) from all of the Days in the Diocese participants. We met up with our group and went to his huge concrete outdoor auditorium. We sat up near the top and the entire place was full of people literally from all over the world. We were waving flags, singing and chanting "USA". We met people from Amarillo, TX who sang Deep in the Heart of Texas and other English chants with us.

We had a normal sack dinner of a tuna bocadillo, a ham and cheese one, yogurt, water and a coke. We ran around a bit and met some Canadians and danced around with a conga line. There were groups from Argentina, Italy, Iraq, South Africa, Congo, Australia, France, Chile, Venezuelans, and more! We had about 6,000 people there! There was a mass like service with the Bishop of Malaga and countless other bishops and priests in 4-5 languages. Then a group from each continent sang a song. Canada represented Americas and sang a Matt Maher song (Our Father!) and Congo got us all on our feet with their rhythmic African Beats. Italy and Australia represented Europe and 'Oceana' respectively and Iraq did Asia. It was amazing to be shouting and dancing with people from all over the world, flags of every color, snapping pictures and asking questions. Everyone was so happy to be friends and we had a great time.

I have never been with so many people from literally all over the world before. And to think, this is probably only 2% of what Madrid is going to be like! It makes me excited. To know that there are this many young Catholics that are on fire for God is awe-inspiring. It just bewilders me that we all have this important thing in common, and that it unites us worldwide, no matter what language and culture boundaries may arise. Our host mother, Estelle, was sharing how she feels that we should be helping the poor and hungry. Even if you don't know that person in Africa, you should help them because they are a person too. It's amazing to reflect on that and remember our callings as Catholics.

Amazing.

fbt&<3

Sabrina

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