Showing posts with label World Youth Day 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Youth Day 2013. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
July 28th, 2013 (Romereports.com) Millions of pilgrims took part in the world's largest flash mob, by performing a simple dance for the Pope. In fact, the title of the song they danced to is called 'Francis.' Before celebrating Sunday's closing Mass in Rio's Copacabana beach, millions of youths took a few minutes to carry out the performance.
The choreography was created by two Brazilian professional dancers, who actually created a video beforehand, so people could practice the moves, before the big day.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
July 23, 2013. (Romereports.com) Every day, hundreds of buses with thousands of pilgrims flock to a very special Brazilian known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida. With over 11 million visits per year, it is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world. In fact, it welcomes much more pilgrims than other famous sites like that of Lourdes and Fatima.
On arrival, many pilgrims light a candle, to thank Our Lady for the graces they've received. Others spend hours praying in this room suited for over 70,000 people. In it, some leave personal items like letters and pictures to thank Our Lady or to make a special prayer.
Our Lady of Aparecida is the patroness of Brazil, and devotion to Her statue dates back to 1717. According to tradition, in October of that year, two fishermen prayed to Our Lady, asking Her to grant them a good catch for the day. As they dragged up their nets, they found this small clay statue of Our Lady and many fishes.
The name “Aparecida” comes from the Spanish word for 'appearing', since the fishermen were granted their wish, through the intercession of Our Lady.
Construction for the first Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, began in 1834. In fact, the site attracted so many people, that over time, a nearby town came to be. A century later, a new 18,000 square meter sanctuary was needed to accommodate all the pilgrims. Now that site is a reality. It's a site that welcomes more than 200,000 pilgrims every single day.
On a certain day in 1716 three fishermen were at work on the Paraiba River. There were no fish in the nets they lifted from the water. Instead there was an artistic terracotta image of Our Lady of the Conception, which they dubbed "Nossa Señnora Aparecida". The chronicles relate that once the Virgin was placed in the boat, the catch was so great that the frightened men returned to port because, the weight of the fish threatened to sink their craft. It is not known how the small (less than three feet high) statue came to rest at the bottom of the river, but its artist is known, Frei Agostino de Jesus, a "carioca'' monk from Sao Paulo who created artistic clay sculptures. The image was made around 1650 and must have stayed submerged in the river for many years because it lost its original polychromy. The image is now a brilliant dark brown color, and is covered by a stiff mantle of richly embroidered thick cloth, allowing only her face and hands to be seen. She wears on her head the imperial crown with precious stones with which she was crowned in 1904. In 1930 Pope Pius XII proclaimed her principal patroness of Brazil.
Her feast on October 12 is a national holiday. Pope John Paul II visited the Virgin "Aparecida" in her much frequented sanctuary and gave it the title of Basilica. A few days before the visit someone got hold of the statue and threw it forcibly on the floor. Although the frail image was broken into many pieces, the loving and careful work of several artists put it together again and the Virgin, "Aparecida" returned to her niche in the Basilica.
-- Source.
World Youth Day 2013
Here is a look at the site of Pope Francis' first public liturgy for WYD 2013, the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, the world's largest Marian shrine.
July 23, 2013. (Romereports.com) With World Youth Day underway, the massive gathering is bound to break some records. The official registration number exceeds 350,000 youths, but that number could easily be multiplied during the closing ceremony, since on that day, there's no need to register to attend. Some estimate that up to 2 million youths could show up to celebrate with the Pope.
According to Brazil's Civil Aviation Department, about 70,000 pilgrims are arriving on a daily basis to Rio's airports. Young Catholics from 190 countries are making their way to Brazil, but the top 10 countries are of course Brazil, followed by Argentina, the U.S, Chile, Italy, Venezuela, France, Paraguay, Peru and Mexico.
There are over 200,000 registered Brazilians. From Argentina, the Pope's native country, there are about 20,000 pilgrims. From the United States, more than 11,000. From Chile, the number stands at 9,100, which is actually the highest number since the year 2000. From Italy, about 7,000 youths are expected in Rio.
A total of 28 cardinals and 600 bishops will accompany Pope Francis during his first World Youth Day celebration. Parishes, gyms and auditoriums will turn into key points of catechesis for the more than 250 bishops who will be in Rio. The catechesis will be offered in 26 languages in more than 270 locations.
For now, the number of journalists has also exceeded expectations. More than 5,500 journalists are accredited, which is a higher number than World Youth Day in Madrid.
Monday, July 22, 2013
July 22nd, 2013 (Romereports.com) After a 12 hour flight, Pope Francis made it to Brazil. With a cheering crowd in the background, the Pope was greeted by the country's president, Dilma Rousseff and Brazil's religious leaders.
The transportation that came afterward, seemed a bit cumbersome. He first boarded a modest gray car, where he was swarmed by enthusiastic crowds and heavy traffic. The Pope then hopped on his open air popemobile, as he went through the city's streets. He finally took a military helicopter to Rio's Guanabara Palace.
There, during his first official speech, he thanked Brazil for its hospitality, adding that he hopes to give them, the most valuable gift of all.
POPE FRANCIS
“I have neither silver nor gold, but I bring with me the most precious thing given to me: Jesus Christ! I have come in his name, to feed the flame of fraternal love that burns in every heart; and I wish my greeting to reach one and all: The peace of Christ be with you!”
Speaking in Portuguese, the Pope said that through World Youth Day, he hopes to make disciples of all nations. He also encouraged the youth, to go above and beyond what's expected.
POPE FRANCIS
“Christ has confidence in young people and entrusts them with the very future of his mission, "Go and make disciples". Go beyond the confines of what is humanly possible and create a world of brothers and sisters.”
The Pope then emphasized that even though World Youth Day is a celebration for the youth, he also wants to reach out to all generations, so that the message of Jesus is proclaimed loud and clear.
POPE FRANCIS
“As I begin my visit to Brazil, I am well aware that, in addressing young people, I am also speaking to their families, their local and national church communities, the societies they come from, and the men and women upon whom this new generation largely depends.”
The Pope's trip to Brazil, was first approved by Benedict XVI during his pontificate. During his speech Pope Francis said he believed it was providential that his first international trip is to his beloved Latin America.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
July 10, 2013 (Romereports.com) Preparations for WYD 2013 started months ago, but there is still a lot on the agenda. One of the issues organizers are working on, is the installations of two main stages, where most of the gathering with Pope Francis will take place. They include stages in Copacabana and Campus Fidei. Organizers say, they goal is to build a structure where everyone can see Pope Francis, even from a distance.
It's not just about logistics. Organizers are also looking for an artistic touch. Abel Gomes, who designed the main stage at Copacabana, said its layout was inspired by the picturesque mountain skyline in Rio.
Another imposing stage, at Campus Fidei, was inspired by the shape of ancient Gothic cathedrals. Its main features are two towers at the ends of the altar which resemble two hands held in prayer. Between them, a golden coated cross, that's over 100 feet high.
Organizers hope the projects will be completed as soon as possible, to welcome the hundreds of pilgrims who are already making their way to Rio.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
May 7, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Vatican has released the official schedule Pope Francis will follow during World Youth Day. He will be in Rio from July 22nd to July 29th.
On Monday July 22nd, the Pope will leave the Vatican and board a plane to Rio. After the 12 hour flight, Pope Francis will be welcomed by Brazil's president Dilma Rousseff in the city's Guanabara palace.
The next day he doesn't have anything planned since he wants to recover from the jet lag. Then on the 24th, the Pope will take a helicopter to the Shrine of Aparecida where he will celebrate Mass. He knows the site quite well, since he was an active participant of the Latin American Episcopal Conference held back in 2007.
In the afternoon, he will return to Rio and visit the St. Francis of Assisi hospital, which is run by Franciscans.
On Thursday 25, which will be his third day in Brazil, the Pope will receive the keys of the city. He will also bless the Olympic flags at city hall. He will then head out to the slums in the area of Varginha.
That very Thursday, World Youth Day will kick off at 6:00 p.m. That day the Pope will be welcomed by hundreds of youths in the Copacabana beach.
The following day on Friday July 26th, he will meet with a group of young inmates. Afterward, he will gave lunch with another group of 12 youths.
The Way of the Cross will begin on Friday afternoon at 6:00 p.m. At the Copacabana beach.
Things will keep on getting busier after that. On Saturday the 27th, the Pope will celebrate Mass with priests, religious and seminarians at 9:00 a.m in the Cathedral. That afternoon, he will meet with upper class business leaders to talk about some of the challenges and also social contrasts in the country. At 7: 30 p.m. A prayer Vigil will take place with youths from Guaratiba.
Some young people will actually spend the night there to have a good spot for the next day. On Sunday 28th, the Pope will celebrate Mass with roughly 2 million youths. That's where the next World Youth Day location will be announced.
That afternoon the Pope will meet the CELAM coordination committee. Then, he will also meet with WYD volunteers.
After that busy week, the Pope will head to the Antonio Carlos Jobin International Aiport at 7p.m. After an 11 hour flight, the Pope will arrive back to the Vatican the next day on Monday at 11. 30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 20, 2013. (Romereports.com) Pope Francis has confirmed that he will travel to Brazil at the end of July to lead World Youth Day 2013.
For now, it's his first and only confirmed trip. Catholic youths are already looking forward to it. In fact close to 2 million are expected.
After celebrating his Inaugural Mass, the pope met with Brazil's president Dilma Rousseff. The Pope confirmed that he will indeed visit the country.
In light of this trip, other presidents like that of Mexico, Colombia and his native Argentina have invited Pope Francis to visit their countries as well.
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