Day's in the Diocese bursts out

WYD youths' joy prompts dancing and singing in the midst of Mass

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Niagara, Ont.

"Everybody was singing and dancing in the middle of the Mass. It was joyful and everyone was celebrating."

His experience on July 19 "was like a mini-World Youth Day because there were people from all over the world.

"The most important part is that everybody had a chance to interact with other young Catholics from other parts of the world and even from other parts of your own country."

Because WYD is an international event, such jubilation is to be expected.

"But if you're actually there and you witnessed it, you can feel it," underlined Sparshu.

Eighteen-years-old and from St. Michael's Parish in Leduc, Sparshu came to WYD without any set expectations. But when he experienced this WYD prelude, any secreted hopes of positive experiences were already surpassed.

His host diocese is much different from Leduc. But this allows the teen to "get new and different perspectives about (his) faith."

Sparshu has already met people from Scotland, Germany, Austria, Australia, Portugal and the U.S.

"It felt like we have one huge world community," - Theresa Marois

"One would think that you are different because you're from a different country. But when you're here, you realize you're the same because you have the same faith. It was simply natural to go and talk to them."

The experiences are like "steppingstones for the future to know (his) role in the community and in the Church."

Theresa Marois, 60, from Our Lady of Mercy Parish, was just accompanying her children and grandchildren to this Days in the Diocese. But her faith was also uplifted.

"Everybody talks to everyone. It felt like we have one huge world community," Marois said.

Joy was spilling everywhere she turned and in that joy she saw faith from the people. "It makes you realize what your faith is and what it should be. When you walk in a space with tons of people celebrating their faith, it's really powerful."

Together with 17 others from the Edmonton Archdiocese, Our Lady of Peace Parish in Niagara hosted Sparshu and Marois.

Fabiola Forcier, 31, from St. Michael's Parish, said, "We thought we were staying in the church basement, but we got homes. They've been really nice."

Tamara Mundy agreed. "The people here are amazing, very welcoming, very friendly. They opened their homes with open arms."

Mundy, who was in WYD Rome 2002, enjoyed her experiences of Days in the Diocese in Naples. Niagara is also unforgettable for her. "It's such a great time to meet one-on-one with other pilgrims. You can't do that in Toronto. During the Days in the Diocese, you can actually meet people from other countries."

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter