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Day 11 of World Youth Day 8-4-23

 


BOM DIA!  

As I begin my day with four espressos and two cough drops, I find our group flag and make my way to the lobby. It is always noisy and full of so much life; what a beautiful foreshadowing of events. Our group makes its way by subway to the beach. Not the kind you swim in tho, but just as majestic. We learn about their culture and Portugal’s spirit of Adventure. I can’t help be feel like I am right where I am suppose to be. The City of Joy lived up to its name, especially when the THEE PAPA FRANCISCO decided to stop by to listen to some confessions. Never have I wanted to have sin in my life, as an excuse to meet the Pope. On the outskirts of the area is an ocean of confessionals and priest scattered across the field. I pondered on how many volunteers it took to make this whole thing happen, and marveled over the joy of their sacrifices. Adjacent to that was the biggest ministry and vocations fair I’d ever seen. Possibilities in Christ everywhere, and the perfect drinking buddy to talk it over with. 

On our way home we felt the impact of our presence in the city; Lisbon, with all its glorious views and sanctifying hills was unprepared for an influx of this many pilgrims. Subway stations closed down and crowds formed by the droves. Ironically on this pilgrimage, walking was sometimes the safest and most efficient way to travel in a city. But we did not come  here for comfort… We move forward to reach our destination. Exhausted and running far behind schedule we missed our Mass appointment by nearly two and a half hours. By God’s good grace however, our Hostel is right in front of a five hundred year old Convent. They allowed us to rest and enjoy a Mass in the comfort of their walls; like so many before us. 

Participating in the Stations of the Cross that evening with a million people is unsurprisingly more emotional than you’d think. Especially when it feels like every obstacle is trying to stop you from reaching your goal. But we move forward. With our flag raised high, our human chain and spirits remained unbroken. Like a beacon we followed it to same area where we first encountered the High Father. Among the masses again I could not help but think of all the people that helped us get here. All the supporters and smiles from so many of our friends and family back home. 

I’d like to say to all of you, thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us! Thank you for all your prayers! I promise you we’re thinking of you every step of the way and keeping you in our prayers. The impact you all had on our hearts was insurmountably more than anything we could do alone. Through so many sicknesses and injuries, we move forward. We move forward bc Pope Francis said that we must; that the churches’s young people must    levantaese.    That they must believe in themselves and trust that they are never alone. I carry the heart of Cortes with me; Diogo, Xana, Susana, and Josh, your hospitality, family, and faith are espetacular. Duarte, I will always cherish your friendship; promise to come to America so we can Curtir again! Camila, brightest gem of Cortes; meow meow choo! 

To my own family, I’m sorry I forget to call. Every message makes me miss you more. Please know I am loving and caring for everyone here with the same love you have show me. To my dear mother: te estraño mucho. Tus abrasos, besos, and especially your cooking! 
The future of the church is so bright! If there was ever any doubt, let it be dispelled by the fact that I had the extreme pleasure of connecting with two of my own Catechism students here. Some of the best and brightest if I may add. Not just that but the College Missionaries too!! Non of us strayed away from the trips challenges because we all longed to spend more time with each other and our lord. 

In summery, the milk is warm, but chocolate milk is a Euro. I’m always sweating, but never been more on fire for Christ. I lost my hat, but we’ll be home soon anyways. Be ready for us America, cause we can’t wait to see you! 

From the brother hood of perpetual sunburns 
And on behalf of the sisterhood of waiting in long lines. 

Eu amor-te,

                                                            Pedro Rodriguez, Troop 43



















City of Joy






500 yr old Convent 





Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis































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