Here is a rapid run-down of our activities in Madrid, Spain, where more than 30 FSPs and SSPs from Europe and other continents participated in WYD:
Vocation Fair: along with more than 70 other religious Institutes, we participated as the Pauline Family in the Vocation Fair held in the Parque del Retiro. Our stand sported a banner reading, “Tent of the Word,” to emphasize the Word of God we proclaim through our mission. In the stand (9 m. x 2 m.) were displayed 5 beautiful panels presenting the Pauline charism. Members of the SSP, FSP, PD, Annunciationists and a group of Young Pauline Evangelizers took turns staffing the stand with great enthusiasm all day long despite the oppressive heat (35° C / 95° F). Our “tent” was a significant point of reference for the young people participating in WYD. From the moment its doors opened at 10:00 a.m., they poured in like a river all day long and far into the night. Our visitors were eager to learn about the Pauline Family and willingly accepted the offer to choose a small scroll with a biblical message written on it in 8 different languages (English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Romanian, Portuguese and Czech). It was a wonderful opportunity for us to make the Pauline Family known to the younger generation.
Macrofestival of the Consecrated Life: in the Sport Plaza, filled with 17,000 young people, our novices Nikki and Veronica offered everyone their witness of life by means of two songs (one in English and one in Italian), which were heartily applauded by the audience. Later in the program, Srs. Priti and Fiona, along with religious from other Institutes, performed an Indian prayer-dance.
Book Display in the Madrid Seminary: this display attracted the interest of the seminarians and priests of Spain and abroad, as well as other religious groups and communities who stopped by the seminary to participate in the continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The display, which offered books in different languages, gave visitors the chance to get to know the Pauline Family and our charism in the Church.
The SSP Web Radio Pop-Up provided day-by-day broadcasting of WYD events and also featured interviews with young people.
The Prayer Vigil on 17 August on the theme: With Jesus Master in the Footsteps of St. Paul, united the members of the Pauline Family in fervent prayer for youth.
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