(ANS - Madrid) - The Salesian Youth Movement was there! C2 and neighbouring areas took in more than seven thousand young people from the SYM. Neither the sultry heat nor the wind and rain dampened participation by the young people at the conclusion of the 26th World Youth Day.

For hours shirts, hats, backpacks and colourful flags filled the various access roads leading to the airfield. People threw water from balconies and windows on the already sun-drenched pilgrims.

And then entry, the search for your sector and major services - the chapels, dining, water supply, sanitation - placement in assigned areas, the location of your sleeping bag and getting to know your neighbours, filled in the hours of waiting. The leaders on stage were well capable of involving the huge swelling crowd with hymns, notices, and also the rosary.

The Pope's arrival and visit to the San Jose Foundation was followed on large screens and once he got to Cuatros Vientos the joy and general noise became meditation and silence.  The Cross and icon of Mary wre carried to the large stage. Five young people – from the United States, Philippines, Kenya, Germany and the UK - presented their own witness of Christian life.

The Vigil was drowned at one point by an intense cloudburst which drenched all the young people there as well. While the deacon was proclaiming the Gospel the wind and rain which began from behind and finally reached the stage, overwhelmed Cuatros Vientos, creating some technical problems and interrupting the Pontiff as he began his address. People began clapping and shouted: “Here are the Pope's young people!”

After the break, which lasted several minutes, the Pope resumed his address to the young. “Dear friends, may no adversity paralyze you! Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history, so that by your faith his name may continue to resound throughout the world. During this prayer vigil, I urge you to ask God to help you find your vocation in society and in the Church, and to persevere in that vocation with joy and fidelity. It is a good thing to open our hearts to Christ’s call and to follow with
courage and generosity the path he maps out for us”.

And then, the invitation to Eucharistic adoration “ I ask you to 'abide' in adoration of Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. I ask you to enter into conversation with Him, to bring before him your questions and listen to his voice. Dear friends, I pray for you with all my heart. And I ask you to pray for me”.

The young people accepted the Pope's invitation
The silence of adoration descended on Cuatros Vientos. Kneeling, standing or sitting, young people addressed their anxieties and prayers to the Lord of Life. Before the solemn blessing, Benedict XVI dedicated young people to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

At the conclusion of the Vigil, the Pope said goodbye to the young people with a touch of humour:”You were steadfast in faith ... you withstood the rain!”

Estimates of the number there have gone wild but one thing is certain, that the quality of participation in the Vigil, especially at moments of adoration, was very high. Pictures from Spanish television images attested to the serious participation and willingness to listen the successor of Peter.

Published 21/08/2011