Finally we made Spain. 24 hours in planes and then a 3 hour bus trip to Coria from Madrid. The WYD experience really came alive, in Dubai airport of all places. There we met Australian pilgrims from WA, Qld and Wagga Wagga in NSW. The Australian flags and groups of young people sitting praying really brought home the theme for WYD, "planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith". It may not be trendy for young people to declare their faith publicly, well that is the media image, but the young people on pilgrimage to WYD haven't paid any attention to that stereotype. Their faith is well planted and is being built up with each experience and it is clear that they are the new wave of evangelists the Church seeks.
From Madrid airport we journeyed to the cathedral at Coria to celebrate mass with pilgrims from Spain, France, Malawi and another group from Parramatta. Following this our two groups were re-mixed and assigned for home stay. I accompanied a group to Caceres about 70km from Coria. After the welcome celebration we were taken home by our hosts. Such wonderful hospitality! Although it may take some time for us to get used to the late nights. Dinner is served around 10pm. The siesta, however, we have agreed is something we should bring home.
The next day after a prayer service, we toured the original fort-city of Caceres, now world heritage listed. The European history of Australia looks insignificant next to Cathedrals
built in medieval times. It was fascinating to hear the stories about the churches and their history with the saints whose name they carry. Tomorrow we travel to Portugal to visit Fatima. That is sure to be a wonderful experience. And really that's what pilgrimage is about, being open to the experience.
I'll post again as soon as possible. I'm having some Internet connection drama.
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