A Salesian Pilgrimage
By Fr. Abe Feliciano, SDB
Despite never having experienced a World Youth Day (I’ve had
a few “almost went” attempts), one of the aspects of Rio 2013 that stands out
most for me was the genuinely “Salesian feel” that the pilgrimage experience
held for me and for many of the others with whom I was privileged to journey in
Brazil. Some of the reasons for this were quite deliberate and explicitly
Salesian, such as the Worldwide Salesian Youth Movement Forum, while others were
much more subtle and unanticipated.
Our two SDB North American provinces were fortunate enough
to send a delegation of 64 members to participate in this year’s WYD. The
participants hailed from all around the U.S.: California, the District of
Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New
York, Texas, and Washington State. Some of our group spent a total of three
weeks in Brazil, engaging in two weeks of service with Salesians in the Amazon region
before the official start of WYD 2013. Another group participated in service at
the Salesian works in São Paulo a week before WYD started, while a group of eight
U.S. representatives participated in the first-ever Bi-continental SYM
gathering, July 18-21. By July 23 all of our U.S. pilgrims were together for
the opening ceremony and prayer service on Copacabana beach.
Rain poured down on all of the pilgrims during the opening
prayer service, and would, in fact, affect most of the WYD events. It rained
for all of the first three days, and the rain even forced the changing of the
location of the final Mass from the original designated field to Copacabana beach
due to flooding.
But the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits, as the grace of
the moment filled each of us with the joy of this singular and intense
experience of Church. In spite of the gloomy weather and the inconveniences it
forced upon both pilgrims and Rio natives, an authentic and palpable spirit of
optimism and joy pervaded. The smiles were no less in number, the laughter no
less loud, and the prayer no less devout.
Though it might seem implausible to some, there was also a genuine
sense of family spirit among the pilgrims from all nations. In a very real
sense, it felt as though we were gathered with three million friends and
family. Those of us who come from the Salesian world continued to find each
other throughout Rio, often greeting each other with shouts of “Viva Don
Bosco!” In addition, we were treated to an experience of Salesian Family in
Niteroi on the day of the SYM Forum and party, where Fr. Chavez and Mother
Yvonne Reugnoat spent time with their spiritual sons and daughters in moments
of prayer, discussion, meals, and family fun. One of the young adults from our
province who met Fr. Chavez for the first time commented that she felt as if
she had just met Don Bosco himself.
Lastly, though the overwhelming majority of us had never met
Pope Francis before, and all but a very select few would have the opportunity
to greet him personally, it felt as though every one of us did meet him
personally. His glances and his words all felt directed at each pilgrim who was
present. He didn’t speak merely to the crowds before him. He spoke to each one of
us directly, especially the youths who were present. And he challenged them in
a very Salesian way, reminding them of their call to discipleship in the here
and now, and their current ability to be missionaries and evangelizers as youths,
to youths today. Many of us felt our hearts swell with joy and pride when he
stated, “Do you know what the best tool is for evangelizing the young? Another
young person. This is the path to follow!” Though Pope Francis is a Jesuit, and
he chose the name of the founder of the Franciscans, he clearly showed that he was
educated by the sons of St. John Bosco and has true Salesian DNA.
“Go and make disciples of all nations,” (Matt 28:19) was the
theme of the WYD 2013, a theme that was echoed over and over again for the more
than three million participants who journeyed from around the globe to be
renewed in their faith. This pilgrimage was truly a moment of grace for all
those in attendance, but it was a special opportunity to be renewed as Salesian
disciples, committed to bringing the love and message of Jesus to the young the
world over, especially to those most in need.
Fr. Abe is the New Rochelle Province's delegate for youth ministry and a member of the provincial council.
Fr. Abe is the New Rochelle Province's delegate for youth ministry and a member of the provincial council.
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