The day is passing in a friendly, family environment. The pilgrims spent their time with the families after yesterday’s loud fun. Majority of them participated in the parish picnics.

One of the picnics had place in the Franciscans parish at Krucza street. It started with a little delay, because of the beautiful songs and the Senegaleses’ danced gifts procession, during the Holy Mass celebrated in Charles Borromeo church. During the MercyFest, the music could be heard out of loudspeakers. The tables were set with home-made cakes, chips, salty sticks and other delicacies.

One could also visit Mercy Stand – a place, where products made by the pilgrims were offered to buy with a voluntary payment. The money will be spent on an off-road vehicle for missionaries in Peru, under the “Car for Pariacoto” campaign. (More information at the website: http://samochoddlapariacoto.pl/)

A special attraction was the foreign groups presentation. A representative of each group was introducing himself, his friends, the country they come from and a reason of their participation in the World Youth Days.

Pierre Luc Bouchard from Quebec confessed, he chosen to go to WYD, encouraged by his friends and motivated by a need of finding something more in his life: depth, faith.

A representative of France – Aupauline, asked why she came, answered, that it’s a beautiful opportunity for being together amongst the youth and for rejoicing.

At the scene one could also see the French bishop – Yves Boivineau – who thanked for the warm welcoming of the pilgrims and gave the parish priest, Marek Augustyn the st. Francis de Sales Medal, as a sign of his appreciation. The volunteers obtained shawls with the WYD’s, Wrocław’s and France’s logo from the French group’s coordinator. Also the Senegal ambassador came to Wrocław to thank the parish priest himself.

 

Teresa Grabiec

BONUS: The participators voice

– The gifts were the most wonderful moment, in my opinion. Through its unique form one could feel a real gift, given by himself. Thanks to the multicultural Masses, people have a broader view on living the life of faith in joy. Differently, but with the same importance. The youth, who uses the Internet, youtube, have the records of such Masses at their fingertips, but for the elder ones it was probably the first time. – Ania from Poland, 22 yrs, volunteer.

– When we meet other nations, other cultures, other people speaking all the other languages, a feeling of the common faith is stronger. – Pauline, 16 yrs, France

– The major thing to remember was the Senegalese joy. They’re very special about it, especially during thanksgiving. Dimension of internationality on such an event helps to see that we’re praying differently, yet together. I was touched by the welcoming of the Poles and their connection with our beloved pope Francis and with st. John Paul II, who encouraged the youth to discover the wonders of faith through the internationality. There is something very important about Polish spirituality. All the Polish saints: Maksymilian Kolbe, s. Faustyna, John Paul II. They were people of great courage and strength, even in their suffering. – seminarian Guy Pelletier from Canada

– I am trembling because of this joy.! I couldn’t have even imagined, that we’ve got such an amazing youth abroad. It was a really strong experience. I can’t describe it. – Ms. Karpińska, 82 yrs, parishioner.

– Splendid! Never before has such a Mass happened. Never before have such songs happened. They managed everything, including foreign languages and the translation. I really enjoyed the Latin parts too. – Mr. Kazimierz Krętkowski, 80 yrs, parishioner.

Collected by Katarzyna Kowalczyk