WYD: Good news.

"Dear Young People!... 'You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world' (Mt 5:13-14): this is the theme I have chosen for the next World Youth Day. ...One of the main functions of salt is to season food, to give it taste and flavour. This image reminds us that, through Baptism, our whole being has been profoundly changed, because it has been "seasoned" with the new life which comes from Christ (cf. Rom 6:4). ...For a long time, salt was also used to preserve food. As the salt of the earth, you are called to preserve the faith which you have received and to pass it on intact to others.

"You are the light of the world..." ...The symbol of light evokes the desire for truth and the thirst for the fullness of knowledge which are imprinted deep within every human being...

"A new century, a new millennium are opening in the light of Christ. But not everyone can see this light. Ours is the wonderful and demanding task of becoming its 'reflection'" (Pope John Paul II, Message to the Youth of the World for the XVII World Youth Day).

Around the globe excitement is growing as preparations are well underway for WYD (World Youth Day) 2002, to be held in Toronto from July 23 to 28. WYD will bring together an estimated 400,000 youth aged 16 to 35 to celebrate and enrich their faith and to pray with the Holy Father.

At the International WYD Forum held January 10-13 in Toronto, 400 young delegates from fifty-two countries gathered to prepare for the upcoming WYD. Each one represented hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims to come from their diocese or country. They arrived from 71 out of the 72 Canadian dioceses, plus the Ukrainian, Slovak, Maronite and Melkite eparchies. Foreign delegates flew in from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. They came to participate in a weekend of prayer and friendship, and to learn more about Canada and WYD.

The opening night was full of excitement. A spectacular performance was put on by the staff of Ste.-Marie among the Hurons National Historic Site. In native and Jesuit costume they dramatized a scene from the seventeenth century, portraying with historical accuracy the beginnings of the Catholic Church in Canada.

That evening too, the Knights of Columbus donated one million dollars to WYD. Its main purpose is the financing of Toronto's Coronation Park, where 2,000 priests will hear confessions in various languages. A women's handicraft group from Chiapas in Mexico will be making stoles for the priests.

Next on stage were the bright youthful faces from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, who sang the three theme songs from previous WYDs: We are One Body (Denver, 1993), Tell the World of His Love (Philippines, 1995), and Emmanuel (Rome, 2000).

The evening culminated with the launch of the theme song for WYD 2002, Light of the World, composed by Fr. Robert Lebel. Three young singers stirred up the crowd in both French and English with the pleasant modern tune whose powerful lyrics centre around the WYD theme. Participants joined in the song's refrain: "The light of the world/ The salt of the earth,/ We scatter the darkness/ When love becomes our way./ The light of the world--/ Christ is our light./ We shine with his brightness,/ The reflection of his light/ From day to day!"

Cardinal Stafford

The following day Cardinal James Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and Vatican-appointed chairman of WYD, addressed the youth organizers. He noted that since September 11, people have felt a greater sense of vulnerability. He offered words of wisdom from the Holy Father: "The shattered order cannot be fully restored except by a combination of justice and forgiveness."

He encouraged youth to become builders of solidarity, and not to withdraw into privacy out of fear or discouragement. Solidarity with others in giving witness to Jesus Christ is the key to holiness in the new millennium. WYD will be a public sign of the seemingly impossible: it will give a spiritually hungry world a witness of communal solidarity.

Cardinal Ambrozic

Toronto's Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic addressed the delegates with a profound message which stressed the sacredness of saints, pilgrimages, and holy objects. He warned against the dangers of Enlightenment thought, which has created a totally secularized world view, and expressed the hope that WYD 2002 will be a rediscovery of the sacredness of concrete things.

The Cardinal assured pilgrims of their welcome in Toronto, as the city is home to a vast number of ethnic groups which live together in harmony, but he noted that the city is also highly secularized, badly in need of a Christian, and specifically Catholic, witness.

After the talks, Cardinal Ambrozic told this reporter that he was surprised and invigorated by the great enthusiasm of so many youth from all over the world.

The WYD Cross

Meanwhile the WYD Cross has been travelling across Canada since Palm Sunday 2001, when the Holy Father entrusted it to Canadian Catholics. The Cross, travelling by air, sea, road and even dog sled, will visit all 72 Catholic dioceses of Canada before arriving in Toronto for WYD.

Two inspiring young people presented their experiences of the WYD Cross. Natalie Lamontagne of Calgary, Alberta described her adventure. When the youth of her diocese were heading for Sunday Mass from a camping site with the WYD Cross, a violent snowstorm unexpectedly broke out. Also, trouble was brewing as big vehicles got stuck on the rugged, snowed-in roads. She was getting cold and frustrated as she tried to push her van along. She couldn't believe the apathy of the youth who were sitting in the warm bus next to the van, probably laughing at her despair. Her concern about getting to Mass on time was irritating her even more.

Quite angry, Natalie ran to the bus to ask for help, but was startled to see that the youth were praying. The minute they finished, all of them ran out in their light Sunday clothes to push the stalled vans, and got the vehicles back in motion. Natalie could not believe how the Cross had brought unity, compassion and joy to their group. They all managed to make it to Mass just in time, and Natalie's prayers that day gave her a glimpse into heavenly life.

The next speaker--Sebastien Lacroix from Sherbrooke, Quebec--revealed his insight into the extraordinary works of the WYD Cross, which he accompanied for a week's time. From PEI to Trois-Rivkeres, Sebastien saw how numerous people were touched by the power of the Cross, and ultimately, he too was "struck by the Cross of Jesus!"

One of his many exciting experiences was at the provincial detention centre in Trois-Rivieres. Out of 101 prisoners, 75 decided to participate in the planned activity. The men had noticed that the Cross was not beautiful; it was worn and cracked in certain places. Sebastien explained that "if the Cross touched these men, it is probably because they could recognize themselves in it... they could recognize themselves in Jesus. Both have travelled a long way, both have been injured by the obstacles of life and both have something incredibly beautiful to share with the Other."

Sebastien invited everyone to accept the Cross: "The Cross shakes us up in our daily life, but we must let ourselves be shaken, whoever we are, wherever we live. Christ himself is reaching out to us."

Fr. Thomas Rosica, the national director and CEO of WYD 2002, pointed out that it was no coincidence that the relics of St. Thdrese and the WYD Cross were crisscrossing Canada at the same time. Both have been calling Canadians to rediscover their faith. The Cross has produced miracles of unity and cooperation, notably between French-speaking and English-speaking Catholics. Fr. Rosica also announced that in a special gesture of solidarity, the WYD Cross will be sent to Ground Zero in New York City from February 24 to 25.

During the discussion period, Cardinal Stafford responded to the question of how best to prepare oneself for WYD. Much of the youth leaders' work would be hidden, he said, just as the work of Joseph and Mary in Nazareth was hidden. They cannot expect praise or acknowledgement, but their efforts will definitely make a difference in the lives of others. The Cardinal requested prayers for the pilgrims and their safety. He invited all to become signs of holiness to others.

Inukshuk

At this point a model of the Inukshuk, created by Inuit sculptor Kellypalik Qimirpik, was presented for all to see. The completed Inukshuk stone sculpture will stand approximately 30 feet high in Battery Park, Toronto, as a legacy and souvenir of the WYD. It will be visible from Lake Ontario, the Martin Goodman Trail and Lakeshore Blvd.

Originating in Canada's Inuit culture, an Inukshuk means "that which acts in the capacity of a human." It serves as a guide to travellers on sea and land; it served the Inuits as a source of comfort, advice, spatial orientation, and a focus of veneration. The Inukshuk was and remains a symbol of safe harbour in a world of uncertainty.

After a lengthy afternoon of sessions discussing practical questions such as registration, health care, catechesis, and the like, the youth leaders attended Mass at St. Michael's Cathedral, celebrated by Cardinal Stafford together with eight bishops and several priests. The wonderful service was interspersed with the angelic singing of the special Youth Choir. The 500-voice choir is still being formed.

Those interested in hearing the choir or joining it for the celebrations may visit the following website: <www.sacredmusicsociety.com>.

On Saturday, January 12, organizational sessions continued, as the youth leaders learned more about transportation, housing, volunteer work and WYD promotion. The evening ended with a Byzantine-rite Vespers service at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church--a true experience of Eastern Christian worship within the Catholic Church.

On Sunday, the final day of the international youth gathering, the delegates travelled to Niagara Falls on a tour sponsored by the province of Ontario, and participated in a Eucharistic celebration with Cardinal Stafford at St-Antoine-de-Padoue Church.

That evening, the excited youth delegates departed for home. The weekend in Toronto was like a mini-WYD of its own, a preview of the great one still to come. The delegates ignited the Canadian youth leaders with their enthusiasm, while these in turn encouraged their joyful counterparts. Foreign delegates went home with a flame of excitement, which caught on and encouraged numerous youth to sign up for WYD. Immediately, registration figures for WYD went up from 70,000 to 90,000 within just a week. They have continued to rise every day since.

Information

* EWTN will be broadcasting WYD updates Thursday evenings on their "Life on the Rock" youth program.

* Excerpts of the WYD 2002 song can be heard at the Oregon Catholic Press web site, through which CDs may be purchased as of March onwards. To hear the inspiring melody or to place an order visit <www.ocp.org/wyd2002>.

* How can one get involved? Register now, as the registration deadline is fast approaching. Register with a group (parish, diocese, movement or school) as a participant, invite and encourage youth to participate. Organize and represent your parish group as its responsible leader. Groups can register online at the WYD web site: www.wyd2002.org.

* There are four registration packages as follows:

A-1. July 23-28 with meals, is $240 Cdn or $160 U.S.;

A-2. July 23-28 without meals is $190 Cdn or $125 U.S.;

B-1. July 27-28 with meals is $100 Cdn or $65 U.S.;

B-2. July 27-28 without meals, is $60 Cdn or $40 U.S.

* As air fare is an additional major expense for most WYD participants, pilgrims are also asked to each donate $10 U.S. to the Solidarity Fund, which is used for helping pilgrims from less fortunate parts of the world to come to WYD.

* For those who are no longer youth but wish to help in some way: pray, offer some volunteer work, host a youth in your home, or donate some money.

* Twenty-five thousand volunteers will be needed to make WYD 2002 happen. Please sign up!

* To receive information about any aspect of WYD, visit the WYD's web site at: www.wyd2002.org or call the World Youth Day office at [phone].

May the three young patrons of WYD 2002, St. Therese de Lisieux, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, bless and guide the youth of the world to WYD and thereafter. (+)