By Robancy A Helen
Pondicherry, Aug 22, 2023: An Indian Catholic priest, who attended the recent World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, says the grace-filled experience has changed his attitude to life and service.
“Attending the World Youth Day was a life-satisfying moment. Life is full of memories. Some are to be cherished for life,” says Father Arputharaj Asir of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore, southern India.
Meeting young people from across the globe, praying and meditating with them, and listening to the Holy Father was like a dream come true, he told Matters India.
The World Youth Day was held in the Portuguese capital August 1-6, with the theme “Mary arose and went with haste.”
Father Arputharaj, who had already participated in the WYD held in Panama, Central America, in 2019, attended the Lisbon program along with 24 delegates from Tamil Nadu. He said the people of Lisbon (Constancia Pariah) gave them a warm welcome with dance and music.
“I was once again so privileged to participate in WYD. It was a memorable moment for me,” the priest said.
He said he filled with a lot of emotions at the program where 1.5 million people from more than 160 countries celebrated their Catholic faith with the Pope, 600 bishops and 10,000 priests.
Father Arputharaj said the five days were intensive. Many programs and activities started with the inaugural Mass with Pope Francis, the Day of Forgiveness, the youth festival, the vocational fair, the faith walk, the Way of the Cross, the vigil service, exhibitions, discussions, the cultural program of each country, and Holy Mass.
“It made us forget the fatigue of our long journey. The love and hospitality of the people of Lisbon and the host families have made me understand the fraternity and solidarity of the people of God,” Father Arputharaj said.
He also said he was lucky to have personal contact with Pope Francis, that helped strengthen his faith in God. “I also had a chance to make friends with people from different countries.”
“The occasion enabled me to learn how to live harmoniously with others in the universal Church,” said the former youth director of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore.
He found the people in Portugal hospitable and generous. They were proud of their culture and traditions, especially their music, he added.
“The whole program was interesting and inspiring. I was overwhelmed,” Father Arputharaj said. “I thank God for this opportunity to meet people from different cultures and countries.”
He said the WYD experience enriched his ministry in guiding the youth in his archdiocese.
Humankind worldwide is longing for doing togetherness. WYD is a gift to be cherished and passed on.
Will this team do something about the “widespread casteism” in the Catholic Church, especially in Tamil Nadu? This must be one of the outcomes of their participation in the WYD.