After a torturously long trip including a delayed flight in Addis, as well as a missed flight, an overbooked flight, and militantly disinterested support staff in Istanbul, we finally made it to Lisbon. Pilgrimages are not meant to be easy. In fact, some challenges are not only expected, but are seen as an essential part of the experience. By the time we finally touched down in Portugal we had more of our share of difficulties. Chief among these was the deepening realisation of the different status of people in our world. Those from Europe move internationally with an assumed ease that is not enjoyed by many of the rest of our world, most especially those from South Sudan.

On our arrival though everything was different. Members of our host parish greeted us in Arrivals with sandwiches, drinks and a big ‘Welcome to Portugal’ sign. In no time at all we were on our way to the seaside village of Ericeira, a world famous surfing destination, and our base for the next eight days. Fr. Tiago, the parish priest of St. Peter’s, was a whirlwind of energy and ensured we were made to feel at home. This openness to complete strangers, to people with whom there is nothing in common, except for the faith they profess is an essential part of World Youth Day. In fact, it is not exclusive. It is to offered to all, including those with whom we don’t share the same creed. As Pope Francis said in his opening address: 

“Friends, I want to be clear with you, for you are allergic to falsity and empty words: in the Church, there is room for everyone. Everyone. In the Church, no one is left out or left over. There is room for everyone. Just the way we are. Everyone!”

This was especially clear to our four South Sudanese pilgrims when they arrived in Lisbon for the official opening along with 1,500,000 young people from over 200 countries. Everywhere they went people were asking where did their flag come from, who were they, were they on social media? The welcome couldn’t have been more perfect. In no time at all they were joining a conga line of pilgrims dancing around the city’s main square. 

A young Brazilian man with a disability being lifted at arm’s length by his friends in his wheelchair, so that he too can see the Pope on the day of the vigil.
Credit: Fr. Omar Sánches Portillo.

In a world caught up in ever decreasing circles of exclusion and division, the Pope’s message of inclusion is not only counter cultural, but completely Biblical. Again and again in scripture we see God reach out through the other, the excluded, the unwanted. In the life of Jesus this is especially evident. Many of the youth (and adults) who come to World Youth Day have doubts and questions. In that regard they are like all of us. Here however, the questioning is encouraged, but so too is the importance of looking for answers. As Pope Francis said during the Way of the Cross on Friday: 

“Have the courage, then, to replace your doubts with dreams. Replace your doubts with dreams: do not remain hostage to your fears, but set about working to realise your goals!”

The Pope sees in our youth not just a group that needs guidance, but a future Church that is taking the lead right now. Our South Sudan young women feel this acutely. They and the other members of their generation will be responsible for building up their country. They are passionate and realistic, but also optimistic. This week left them with a different vision of how the world can be. Through times of prayer, like our midnight Rosary on the beach with surf boards, to catechetical sessions where Bishops unpacked the theme of WYD from the Visitation, to liturgies that were simultaneously chaotic and prayerful, they were encouraged to become not just followers of Jesus, but disciples. 

During the Vigil, just as everyone was settling down to sleep, there was a time of Adoration. To have a million and a half youth kneeling in silent prayer is a testament to the power of both the Blessed Sacrament and the youth who adore Him. At the WYD Mass Pope Francis urged everyone present and those joining us around the world online to:

“Carry on; if you fall, get back up; walk with a goal in mind, and train each day of your lives. Nothing is free in life, everything has to be paid for. Only one thing is free: the love of Jesus! So, with this free gift that we have – the love of Jesus – and with the desire to carry on the journey, let us walk in hope, let us be mindful of our roots, and move forwards, without fear. Do not be afraid.”

The next World Youth Day was announced to take place in Seoul in South Korea. As we returned to South Sudan there was a feeling that next time we were definitely going to bring more youth. This encounter with the Holy Spirit, made real in the everyone who took part in the week, shows us how the world can be when we really work to be a Church on fire with faith, hope and love. Everyone is invited!

PLEASE HELP US TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN SOUTH SUDAN

Read more from Fr Alan’s missionary journey in South Sudan:

• Looking for a Sign on the Way to South Sudan
• Building a Better Future in South Sudan
• Christmas Greetings from Fr Alan in South Sudan
• A Cup of Sugar and Maybe a Goat
• Mock Exams and Real Life in South Sudan
• As Easy as Baking a Cake
• Holy Week on the Move
• Three Arrivals and a Party
• Celebrating the Missionary Life
• Seeds of Hope
• Young People Fighting COVID-19 in Rumbek
• Ticket to Ride
• Lions, Snakes, and the World’s Deadliest Predator
• Vaccine Status: Denied
• Christmas in South Sudan
• A Bigger Shovel
• A Week in the Life of Loreto – Bishops, graduations, an ambassador, and the Pope
• Sowing Seeds
• A visit from the MSC Superior General
• Advent
• Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?
• Fr Alan in South Sudan: The Papal Visit
• Life Goes On
• Give Peace A Chance
• The Surprising Grace of Hospitality: Part 1