Yesterday the Holy Father arrived with a beautiful welcoming service. I was humbled and delighted to join Salt and Light crew for a commentary on the event. (Check out Fr Chris and Pedro. They’re awesome!) The giving of the keys of the city, releasing of dove-shaped balloons and dancing horses were some of the highlights. Most importantly, the Holy Father’s address gave everyone much to ponder and anticipate.

Today the young religious had the opportunity to join the Holy Father. Again the Pope affirmed and challenged us with his words, though his greatest lessons were taught through his example. It was a privilege to be in his presence… though the meeting was more than a meeting with the Pope. The enthusiasm and love for the Church that my religious sisters throughout the world expressed was like a contagious flame. While waiting, we talked with one another, taught each other our favorite songs and prayed together. The words we chanted sum up what this meeting captured: “Esta est la vida consecrada!” There is great reason to be hopeful for the future! -Sr. Angela

Under a dark blue morning sky and a blurry, luminous moon…we waited. In eager anticipation (if there is such a thing at 5 am!) we waited for the doors to open to enter El Escorial. The excitement only heightened 6 hours later as the Pope entered. Smiling and with a twinkle in his eyes, he lovingly greeted us. What a blessing-a very special day I will always remember. Among his most memorable words for women religious were:  ”You are the treasure of the Church.” - Sr Colleen

- © CNS photo/Andrea Comas, Reuters

God showed me yesterday the powerful graces behind WYD. I was buying stamps at a local store when a young woman from South Africa ran up to me, absolutely breathless. She apologized to me, recognizing we were strangers, and told me, “Sister, I just want to tell someone my story – I hope you don’t mind. God is really speaking to me.” I listened as she told me about the many graces she had received that day. She had discovered God’s deep love for her. She had heard messages all day of God’s love for her at the different talks she went to. At the end of her sharing, I showed her my name tag which also showed my congregation, Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As I told her who we are, and how we are called to know and share Christ’s love for all, I saw the tears welling up in her eyes- yet another “God incidence”. If I wondered yesterday if transformations were happening at WYD, that young, exuberant, love-struck woman was the answer :) - Sr. Colleen

All throughout the city there has been catechesis for pilgrims. The lines are endless! The catechists are inspiring, informative and challenging. Yesterday we met a group of pilgrims from Wisconsin who gave us rosaries they had made. They also invited a young woman who was eating alone to join them. The solidarity and excitement of the pilgrims is beautiful. There has been talk in the media about transportation strikes during the Holy Father’s arrival. I suspect that won’t even bother pilgrims who will even enjoy  walking a little more with new friends from around the world. The Holy Spirit is definitely at work- not only in Madrid but also in the lives of all of you who participate from afar. The whole world celebrates this WYD together. - Sr Angela

Yesterday we attended the Love and Life Center’s pilgrim Mass. I’m sure many of you saw it on TV or online. The beauty of the Eucharist was highlighted by the multitude of bishops (~25), priests (at least 200), and pilgrims from the entire globe. I have never experienced anything that so vividly displays the universality of our Church, or as St. Paul said, many gifts but one Spirit! I also visited el Parque del Retiro, where the international vocation fair is being held. Again, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of various charisms that gift our Church; so many joyful and generous witnesses to the committed life with Christ filled the park! Another impressive scene was the site for Confessions. Nearly a mile of simply constructed confessionals were marked by language- and were well attended by pilgrims. As I passed, I heard a British woman comment in awe, I never knew that so many people go to confession!” May the graces of this WYD fill Europe and the world! - Sr. Susan

- © CNS photo/Paul Hanna

CNS photo/Paul Hanna