Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations
(Matthew 28:19a, NAB)
World Youth Day (WYD). 22 pilgrims from CFC YFL Sub-group journeyed in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for 18 days celebrating the one Faith we have in one God.
The first seven days, from July 15 to 21, were spent for the Semana Missionaria (Missionary Week). The CFC YFL Sub-group was assigned at the Diocese of Petropolis and was hosted at the Capela Da Sao Pedro (St. Peter Chapel) of Paroquia Nossa Senhora Da Guia (Parish of Our Lady of the Way) at Praia Da Maua. This parish hosted three groups of delegates from different countries, namely, Philippines, Panama, and Venezuela.
The Semana Missionaria culminated with a diocesan gathering of the Diocese of Petropolis. Pilgrims from the Philippines, Italy, USA, Spain, Argentina, etc., which were hosted by the diocese met as one in a series of praise and worships, catecheses, food booths, among others.
After the Semana Missionaria, we traveled from Praia Da Maua to the city of Rio De Janeiro (RJ). This will be the heart of the World Youth Day celebration. The CFC YFL Sub-group arrived at RJ on the 22nd of July. The group was hosted at Paroquia Sao Francisco Xavier.
Out of the 267 catechesis sessions, the CFC YFL Sub-group had the privilege to serve at one of these sessions during the World Youth Day. For three days, from July 24 to 26, the group was assigned to lead, facilitate, and animate a Catechetical site at Paroquia Sao Francisco Xavier. The themes for the three days of catecheses were: (1) Thirsting for hope, thirsting for God, (2) To be Christ’s disciples, and (3) To be missionaries: ‘Go forth!’. The group led the singing of the assembly at the Mass, the animation of the catechetical songs, facilitated the scheme for the Sacrament of Confession, etc.
The Opening Mass was celebrated on July 23, with Archbishop Orani Jaoa Tempesta as the Mass Presider. On July 25, was the WYD Opening Message of Pope Francis. The following day, July 26, was the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). On the Saturday of the week, July 27, was the Vigil with Pope Francis, which is supposed to be held at Campus Fidei at Guaratiba, RJ, but was moved at Copacabana beach instead. The next morning after the vigil, July 28, was the final Mass presided by Pope Francis.
In every activity the group had Nossa Senhora Da Aparecida was there guiding and journeying with them.
The CFC Youth for Family and Life registered as a pilgrim sub-group under the Episcopal Commission on Youth-Philippines.
And some other photos . . .