Oblate News

World Youth Day: Pope Francis Way Of The Cross

Day 4 of WYD

Today has seen another jam-packed World Youth Day (WYD) full of Rise Encounters and finished off with the Way Of The Cross with Pope Francis this evening. 

The Oblate Youth team took the opportunity to attend a talk from Bishop Barron, as well as other speakers and to explore the town of Lisbon with the Pilgrims Passport. 

Then at 6pm this evening, we joined Pope Francis at Park Eduardo for the Way of the Cross.  A modern take on the stations saw dancers interpret the meaning of each station, accompanied by the stories of young people and how the meaning of the stations affects their lives today.

Pope Francis said to the young pilgrims;

Jesus is the way. In the Gospels we often find him on the road…. He keeps moving & shows concern for those around him. He stops before those who suffer and yet continue to hope. He listens to each persons story. He cares for everyone before resuming his journey.
Jesus shows us that God takes the first step. He seeks us where we are.
Christ became one of us. He experienced our loneliness and fears, abandonment and our death.
The son of God went up to Calvary in order to come down to encounter us. That is love.
The cross is at every wyd. The beauty of Christ crucified is the great paradox of our faith.
Tonight Jesus walks with us. He is journeying with – never stopping. Such is the way of the cross. He takes all our challenges – head on never slowing his pace.

Whey does Jesus hope for? He desires to open the windows of your soul/ to let in the fullness of his life and love. He wants to free your soul from sorrow and anything that dampens your enthusiasm to spur you to take risk of love.
Become an example of generosity. Jesus is fighting at your side. He never gives up.
Jesus wants to rekindle in you the light of beauty. To be people of hope. Let us bring him all our hopes for a church that reflects his image.
Jesus understands your wounds. Let us believe in the one who constantly seeks you. In Union with Jesus be his witness and declare ‘I believe’!
Put your trust in Jesus. Be witnesses of hope.

You can catch up on the service here:  Vatican News