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February 25, as a gesture of solidarity with the people of New York and of the
United States, a group of 100 young Canadians took the World Youth Day Cross to
“Ground Zero,” the spot where, till 9/11/01, the World Trade Center towers
had stood.The group held there a
simple moment of prayer in memory of those who had fallen, for the survivors,
and for peace in the world.
“Our presence on Ground Zero was, for me and for all the Canadian delegation a profoundly moving experience. We came here to pray for all the victims of the terrorist attack on September 11 and also for the victims of terrorism all over the world. The cross of the World Youth Day is a strong symbol which reminds us of the radiant light of God’s presence in the midst of the deepest darkness and despair…” said Renee Anne Poulin, 20, of Toronto; and she added “I hope to bring a little of Jesus’ joy and peace where the world most needs.”
The simple 15 foot tall wooden cross, frequently compared to the Olympic torch, has crisscrossed Canada, by all means of transportation, by bus and by car, by canoe and by airplane, by train and dog sled, in anticipation of the 2002 World Youth Day, set for July 18-28, in Toronto. It has been in churches and homes for abandoned children, prisons and schools, universities, historical places and shopping centers, city streets, bars and parks and igloos.It will stay in Toronto from June 9 until the conclusion of the World Youth Day.
Designed
for young people ages 16 to 35, the celebration, which will have the presence of
John Paul II, will gather nearly 500,000 pilgrims from 150 countries.
“Canada has never had an event of this magnitude.”
In
1984, the cross was entrusted to the young people of the world by the Holy
Father who said, “I entrust to you the Cross of Christ!
Take it to the four corners of the world as a sign of the love of the
Lord Jesus for humankind, and proclaim to all that only in Christ, who died and
rose from the dead, can salvation and redemption be found.”
In announcing the theme of the World Youth Day 2002, “You are the salt of the
earth… you are the light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-14) the Pope said:
“Christ expects great things from young people, as he did from the young man
who asked him, ‘Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?…
Young people in every generation, in every region of the
world, should not cease to put such questions to Christ…”
Brian Keaney, 20, of Dedham, MA, who was among some 2 million participants in Rome, two years ago, remembers there were “people as far as the eye could see,” he said.“You really come to know the true meaning of the world catholic, which means universal. It makes you glad to be a Catholic… You can be young and Catholic…I didn’t see anyone who’s come away the same person they were before.” And Joel Hamilton, 22, of Lisle, IL, adds: “It opens your eyes that from all over the world, people share your beliefs, and that young people really do care about their faith…The events of September have certainly had an effect on things. That being said, we must add that World Youth Day is the exact opposite of the reign of fear and darkness that has enveloped the world. We young people must and want to give Love a Face… each one of us.”
(From Xaverian Mission Newsletter)