By Deacon Stephen Bowling, Director of Family Ministries
The fact that the first word in the phrase "World Meeting of Families" is "world" is no accident. Of the 18,000 or so people here (and doing a little math confirms that all are here in one room for the Masses and keynote events) there are representatives from over 100 countries ... And all are visible throughout.
Those from Mexico are wearing black fleece sleeveless jackets with the words "Mexico, familia y vida" proudly emblazoned on the back in red, white, and green. The Canadians all have red and white neckerchiefs, and the large group from Uruguay all wear their country's flag draped over their backs like capes. Those from Nigeria are all wearing the same colorful green and white gloss satin outfits, and the delegation from Zimbabwe all wear huge red hats so they can easily be seen by each other in the huge crowd.
I had the great fortune of having lunch with a couple from Costa Rica . . . They spoke no English, and my Spanish is greatly limited. But we had a grand time, with smiles, laughs, and good fellowship nonetheless.
If you would ask me to describe this entire event in only two words, the first would have to be "colorful" and the second would be "holy." So much diversity, all seeking the same thing. When we celebrate Mass every morning in the most magnificent manner, with everyone together responding to the same prayers in the same way, yet in their own language, the power of the Holy Spirit has never been more real.
The fact that the first word in the phrase "World Meeting of Families" is "world" is no accident. Of the 18,000 or so people here (and doing a little math confirms that all are here in one room for the Masses and keynote events) there are representatives from over 100 countries ... And all are visible throughout.
Those from Mexico are wearing black fleece sleeveless jackets with the words "Mexico, familia y vida" proudly emblazoned on the back in red, white, and green. The Canadians all have red and white neckerchiefs, and the large group from Uruguay all wear their country's flag draped over their backs like capes. Those from Nigeria are all wearing the same colorful green and white gloss satin outfits, and the delegation from Zimbabwe all wear huge red hats so they can easily be seen by each other in the huge crowd.
I had the great fortune of having lunch with a couple from Costa Rica . . . They spoke no English, and my Spanish is greatly limited. But we had a grand time, with smiles, laughs, and good fellowship nonetheless.
If you would ask me to describe this entire event in only two words, the first would have to be "colorful" and the second would be "holy." So much diversity, all seeking the same thing. When we celebrate Mass every morning in the most magnificent manner, with everyone together responding to the same prayers in the same way, yet in their own language, the power of the Holy Spirit has never been more real.