(ANS – Rio de Janeiro) – Matthias is a young Italian who grew up in the Salesian Oratory in La Spezia-Canaletto. He decided to go alone to the World Youth Day in Rio, and to serve as a volunteer. We met him at the airport when he was getting ready to  return to Italy, and he spoke to us about his experience:

This is my second time taking part in WYD. I was in Madrid as a pilgrim, but this time I wanted to go as a volunteer, so that I could make my own contribution and experience WYD from a different point of view. The tasks assigned to me included translation, meeting groups during the catechism classes for Italians, and offering general assistance. I was also part of the security cordon, keeping the crowd back to make it easier for the Pope to move around … it was a beautiful experience!

What did you like best about Pope Francis?

What the people like so much about Pope Francis is his simplicity, the direct messages he gives, and his off-the-cuff remarks in real Salesian style!  Being South American, he was immediately accepted here. I like him a lot. He reminded me of John Paul II when he challenged the young people to risk being happy and to choose Christ and bring him to the whole world. I also saw him in line with Benedict XVI, whose contribution to the Church was fundamental.  Pope Benedict will always remain in my heart.

What do you like about the Salesian charism?

I grew up in a Salesian Oratory.  I attended the parish and took part in the Festivities of the Salesian Youth Movement. I am still a catechist and one of the leaders of the Summer Camp for young people. For me, the beauty of it all is that it brings holiness within the reach of everybody. It gives young people a chance to become saints!

What did you gain from this WYD?

WYDinitself is an extraordinary experience. As a soldier said to me while we were standing in the security cordon, “Here the whole world is at peace!” And so indeed it was! There were no differences of nationality. We were united, all brothers and sisters, as we are indeed all brothers and sisters in Christ. At WYD, you get to know many people, and you see that the problems you face in daily life are the same as those of young people from very different parts of the world, and you see that the Gospel has reached everywhere. It was really moving to swap souvenirs … and to see the faith of so many young people, who had much more faith than I have.

I will remember also the love there was for the Pope. In Italy we are used to having him near, and to hearing him on TV. Here I saw many people weeping with emotion. For them it was a “super-exceptional” event!

The hospitality that the people showed to both pilgrims and volunteers was also exceptional. I was warmly received by a family that was quite poor. The beds were hard, there was no hot water, but the little they had they gave totally. It made me reflect on our European society. We have everything but we want more, and we never give to others. They, on the other hand, let me see the truth of what Pope Francis said - that real joy is in giving rather than receiving.

Published 01/08/2013