‘Todos, todos, todos!’

By Julian Christian Sim

“Esta es la juventud de papá!” (“We are the youth of the Pope!” in Spanish), was a chant heard often along the streets of Lisbon, Portugal as it hosted the 37th World Youth Day (WYD2023) recently from 31 July to 6 August. Standing in the streets and gardens of Lisbon with over 370,000 registered pilgrims and volunteers, side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder, it was a chant we Malaysian pilgrims picked up, as we waited in anticipation for the Holy Father to arrive. 

For most of the Malaysian Contingent to WYD2023 Lisbon, it was a novel experience as we took in the flurry of music and song, the expanse of young people all around us and the realisation that we lucky few were here in Portugal. Throughout the week, there were many moments where we truly felt a part of the larger universal Church, a Church that has room for everyone—a sentiment which Pope Francis invites us all to embrace. 

In his welcome address during the Welcome Ceremony of WYD2023, he highlighted that, “The Church has space for everyone, in every language. The Church has space for everyone!”. Emphasising this point, the Holy Father invited all who were present to chant with him, “Todos, todos, todos!” (“Everyone, everyone, everyone!” in Portuguese). 

This emphasis on synodality was evident throughout the organisation of WYD2023, in particular the significant efforts made by the organisers to include pilgrims who were differently-abled, mentally challenged, deaf and mute in participating to the best of their abilities. The incorporation of ramps for easier access to events and transportation for the differently-abled, live sign-language interpreters for all central events and dedicated exhibitions on supporting the disabled were some examples of their efforts.

Synodality was also the driving force behind a majority of the Rise Up catechesis sessions throughout WYD2023 where young pilgrims from different countries took part in a synodal discussion on the themes of Ecology, Social Friendship and God’s Mercy. Many participating bishops played a more subdued ‘listening’ role, where they actively listened to the sentiments, concerns and suggestions of the young pilgrims in tackling issues related to the three themes. Each session culminated in a communal sharing of ways forward presented by the young people, followed by a summary and closing remarks from the participating bishop and ending with Holy Mass and/or Eucharistic Adoration.

Here are some testimonies from pilgrims with the Malaysian Contingent:

“There was definitely a presence that made it incredible to actually be there. Being physically so near to the Pope, being physically there to experience it all. Also being able to experience the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with so many other youths, it felt surreal, but despite all that it felt at home as well”. - Adelyn Phun, Diocese of Penang

“I was able to join one of the Rise Up sessions with the theme of social friendship, which was followed by group sharing with pilgrims from other countries. It was an amazing experience and, at the same time, I could make new friendships and connections with youths all over the world.” - Serena binti Jonius, Diocese of Penang

“It was encouraging to see other young adults living the faith and making the long journey to Lisbon. It showed me that the faith is still alive in the hearts of young people and many are longing for Jesus to have true happiness in life. I would like to encourage more young people to go to WYD in the future so that they can experience and encounter God too.” - Freddy Graman, Diocese of Sandakan

“During the course of the entire trip I came to the profound realisation that God is aching to reach out to all of us, it’s truly a matter of us stepping out boldly and being willing to take a leap of faith to be able encounter Him. So, come with open hearts and be prepared to give and receive so much more than you could possibly imagine. For He truly has great plans for all of us.” - Jean Jayme Loh, Diocese of Penang

It has since been almost a month since we returned from Lisbon and these themes and words from the Holy Father during WYD2023 continue to echo in our hearts:

That JESUS JOURNEYS WITH US:

“He weeps with us. He accompanies us in our darkness. He wants to calm our fears with His consolation. Jesus journeys towards the Cross so that our souls will be able to smile.” - His Holiness Pope Francis in his reflection during the Way of the Cross at Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon, Portugal

That THERE HAS TO BE ROOM FOR EVERYONE:

“On the boat of the Church, there has to be room for everyone: all the baptised are called on board to lower their nets, becoming personally involved in the preaching of the Gospel… When dialogue, co-responsibility, and participation are lacking, the Church grows old. I would put it this way: never a Bishop without his priests and the people of God; never a priest without his brother priests; and all of us together, as Church—priests, consecrated men and women, and the lay faithful—never without others or without the world.” - His Holiness Pope Francis in his homily during the vespers with bishops, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers

DO NOT BE AFRAID:

“As young people, you have great dreams, but often you may fear that they cannot come true. Sometimes you can think that you are not up to the challenge, and you may be tempted to lose heart, to think you fall short, or to disguise your pain with a smile.

As young people, you want to change the world and work for justice and peace. You devote all your energy and creativity to this, yet it still seems insufficient. Yet the Church and the world need you, the young, as much as the earth needs rain.

Dear young people, I would like to look each of you in the eye and say: Do not be afraid! Be not afraid.

Now I would like to tell you something even more beautiful: Jesus himself is now looking at you. 

He knows you; he knows what is in your heart; He knows the lives of each of you; He knows your joys, your sadness, and even when we fall; He knows the heart of each of you; and He tells you here today in Lisbon, in this World Youth Day: ‘Do not be afraid! Courage, do not be afraid!’” - His Holiness Pope Francis in his homily during the Closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023