World Meeting of Families – Day 1: An Amazing Start

The day started a bit slow. It was great that we checked-in yesterday because it allow us to have a bit of a leisurely morning. The conference didn’t start until noon, and so we took the train in from my Aunt’s house in the suburbs to Jefferson Station downtown, and got there a little early so we could walk around. We started by grabbing a bite to eat, which at the Reading Market is a fun experience in and of itself!  Let’s just say we can’t wait until lunch tomorrow…:)  We then meandered our way to the convention center, and along the way, passed numerous groups of people, each with their green conference badges and backpacks, but many in their traditional clothing from their respective countries – Nigeria, Costa Rica, Argentina, Vietnam… Just to name a few. Over 20,000 attendees from over 100 countries. People were wearing their countries flags around them – you would think we were at the Olympics or the World Cup Soccer. It was definitely very cool!

We made our way to the Youth Congress to drop Joseph off. He’s a little nervous, not sure what to expect, but as soon as he meets his small group teacher, he settles right in and we give him a hug and he goes on his way. So many kids, from so many different backgrounds, but all united. This is definitely a theme.

Next it’s the opening ceremony we hear from the World Meeting of Families leadership and then Archbishop Chaput, the Archbishop of the Philadelphia Diocese welcome us and before we know it, the World Meeting of Families is now open!  Again – just struck by the number of people who came from thousands of miles away for this meeting. I’m amazed at the number of church leaders I see – leading experts in the world on theology who are here – with us!

Now it’s time for the keynote – Bishop Robert Barron. If you’re not familiar with Bishop Barron, he is one of the most tech and social media savvy clergy in the world and founder of the Word on Fire ministry. Oh, and by the way, he is a fabulous speaker. So engaging and easy to listen to. He gave a great keynote address on how we can be truly free, and live the lives God envisioned for us if we build a relationship with Him, and share that relationship with the rest of the world. One thing that stuck out was his comparison of the two freedoms in society today – freedom of indifference, and freedom of excellence. Freedom of indifference, unfortunately is how the bulk of society is today, where we define our freedom by choosing to do what we want, what makes us happy, whatever that is, no matter who it affects. As long as it make us happy. People can do whatever they want, as long as they don’t affect one another. Rules are a necessary evil that we simply must deal with.

But freedom of excellence basically states that we desire rules, and want to live by strict rules if we care about the particular issue or subject at hand, such as a golfer who desires to be an excellent golfer. If they want to excel, they will take lessons and learn about the proper swing and technique. I can relate to that with running. To run a marathon, I needed to perfect my technique, learn how to fuel and prepare myself. And practice and train. I was all in. I love to run, and I have no problem putting in hours of training. So when we desire something, we have no problem adhering to rules and building discipline to be better.

But often, we as Catholics and as Christians don’t truly desire to be better Catholics and Christians. We may say we do, but when the time and effort and discipline is required, we so often don’t desire a relationship with God enough to put in the time. We want our own version of our life and our own version of Christianity. So often it is not a priority. Other stuff is. Other stuff takes precedence.  To paraphrase Bishop Barron – we need to do better. And we as Catholics need to stop living our privatized faith and start sharing our faith with others. Leading by example.

This was just the beginning. We picked Joseph up from the Youth Congress and then we went back to ballrooms D-E for the evening Mass. 20,000 chairs setup, and alter now on the stage and projection screens showing various pillars, saintly statues in the background, making it look like Rome. And then the procession started to begin Mass. The world class choir and accompanying orchestra and organist singing the most beautiful hymn, sounding like angels from Heaven, and then a procession of hundreds of priests, bishops and numerous Cardinals. Simply and amazing sight and sound!  The Mass was perfect – beautiful in every aspect.

And the best part? 20000 people from around the world, all singing and responding in unison, many in their native languages. Some readings were in English, some in Spanish. But we were all one. This is what I love about our faith, that people from around the world can come together, totally different backgrounds and cultures, yet we all know the same Mass, we all read the same readings for Tuesday, September 22, and we all share the same faith. Many people from around the world, many families. One church. One faith. If the rest of the week is anything like today, wow, are we in for a treat! But we also have a major responsibility to share the message and lessons we experience here in Philadelphia. It is so important. The Pope knows this, and this is why he is coming.

More to come…

God Bless!

2 Replies to “World Meeting of Families – Day 1: An Amazing Start”

  1. Great article and photos Joe! Thank you for sharing this experience with us. So many of us are unable to be there but you brought us along too, through your words and photos. God bless you and your family!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *