Fear and Inspiration

When we arrived in Madrid I was feeling overwhelmed. The crowds, the heat, the fear in watching my daughter nearly being crushed while attempting to (along with Kristin) get food at McDonald's for 8 of us that were attempting to be a part of the opening Mass. Truly, if she had lifted her legs off the ground she would not have fallen...that is how tight that crowd was...

WYD Crowds waiting for the Opening Mass to begin

The following day we attended a Mass that was overcrowded, hot, and not easily understood (Bishop Rollie from the Philippines). I just wasn't sure I would find the intimate, growing experience that I was looking forward to in this Pilgrimage. Yesterday, a few of our group went to the Love and Life Center for catechesis and Mass.

Love and Life Center (English speaking center)

There were 15,000 people and it was the intimate experience I had been looking for.  The Archbishop from New York (Archbishop Timothy Dolan) gave the talk focusing on evangelism.  He shared his humor, his experience and his commitment to sharing the faith.  During the actual Mass there was clapping as if to say AMEN, but when it came time for Communion, there was such a hush it was inspirational to see how seriously 15,000 people were taking this part of their faith. It really re-energized my spirit and made me feel more prepared for the days to come. God truly knows what I need and when I need it.

Laura