This is a city far worse than Madrid. And, I doubt, that the youth who spent thousands of dollars on worthless tickets then, are going to the South American ‘City of Sin’ this year.
These events should be organized at the parish level. Then, there would be more control and less of a “rock festival” jamboree. Kids were waiting for hours in Madrid to use the porta potties. Need I say more. You get the picture. The last “Youth Day” was, for the most part, a huge let down for most attendees because their tickets were worthless. Madrid was totally unprepared for the crowd.
Sorry, but I do not see these festivals as very “Catholic,” except for the fact that there are many good priests who go and make themselves available for confessions. Other than that, I mean, really — who would want to travel thousands of miles to be part of a mass of emotionally-charged, young exuberants who are more intent upon seeing Pope Benedict at a distance (and I mean at a distance) than contemplating Christ by Faith at a reverent traditional Mass. (I Love My German Shepherd! T-Shirts, rah, rah, rah!) I don’t get it. My suspicion is that there’s a buck to be made.
I was young once, but I certainly would not have wasted my money going to such a “happening.” (I wasted it on a lot of other things, sad to say. And I do wish we had a local authentic Catholic “Youth Day” back then, in the 70s.)
Give your money to the poor if you want to merit a reward in heaven. Visit a nursing home. Yes, visit the elderly, that’s a real youth apostolate. That’s Catholic, in the sense of being Universal. The sick and elderly are members of the Church, or potentially so, who are on the threshold of eternity. Seeing the Vicar of Christ with binoculars does not amount to a hill of beans in the eyes of God. After reading about the fiasco in Madrid in 2011 I am more convinced of that than ever.
There, that’s my two cents worth. And, no doubt, I will hear it from those whose teens were brought back to the Faith at World Youth Day, or from young priests who credit WYD for their vocations. That’s my point. Why do the young have to pour out such a ton of money to get excited about the Faith? Why can’t local dioceses hold similar three-day youth retreats (every two years) in an atmosphere of vigilance and prayer, with good talks, holy Mass, Benediction, devotions, and ongoing confession? And add good music and drama, for entertainment. Why aren’t parishes offering classes in scripture, theology, and/or Church history?
Rio? Of all the dens of iniquity to send young men to and “trendy” clad (jeans, shorts) girls to, away from their parents! I think this is terribly wrong.
