At the circus

As the evening hours began last Saturday, those who were not already rushing to secure their spots in Saint Peter's Square were gathering in the Circus Maximus, where a vigil of testimony, music and prayer would take place against the darkening sky.

Even from the hour of 5:00pm, there was already evidence that this gathering (and I suppose others as well in other locations throughout Rome) would resemble the vigils that are still celebrated before the Papal Mass that customarily concludes the celebration of World Youth Day.  In this case, a group of youth had already gathered, complete with their guitars and hand drums, and had begun to sing and dance in a constantly rotating circle.  The music and festivity was contageous and before long, the group of dancers continued to grow.

It was evident that these young people had experienced World Youth Day at least once, for the music and merry making continued until just shortly before the official program for the evening was about to begin.  Knowing that all other preparations had been made, the youth then quieted, ready to enter into a moment of prayer, storytelling and witness.  Guests invited to tell their stories included

• Doctor Joaquin Navaro-Valls, former director of the Vatican Press Office;
• His Eminience, Stanislaus Dziwisz, former personal secretary to His Holiness, John Paul II; and

• Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, who witnessed to the miracle by which the process for Beatification of John Paul was concluded.

Various choirs and groups were also invited to sing hymns or to recite prayers ... and perhaps for the first time, assembled crowds in Guadalajara, New York City and Krakow participated in the vigil by satelite link.

As the daylight faded, each of the thousands of participants who had gathered lit a candle, bathing the entire Circus in soft light, reminiscent of the many vigils which have taken place in Saint Peter's Square and elsewhere during the 27-year-long pontificate of John Paul II.

Following the testimonies, the entire group recited the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, and continued sharing their faith late into the nighttime hours.  Having grown accustomed to this format of vigil during the many encounters the soon-to-be Blessed had spent with youth, it seemed that participants almost anticipated the various segments of this gathering.  What better way to prepare the heart for the great festivity of the Mass that would follow the next day!