Letters to the Editor: a lesson in life at World Youth Day

As I close my eyes, I’m transported back to that unforgettable vigil night of World Youth Day in Lisbon. I had walked alongside 1.5 million pilgrims from every corner of the world to the place of the Closing Ceremony. The journey was far from easy: the 40-degree sun heat beat down on us; the weight of our bags was a constant, physical burden; the hordes of people, all headed towards the same destination, made the walk slow and crowded. There were times I contemplated giving up. Yet not only did I reach the end, but I’d do it all over again.

And I know many pilgrims would too.

What unfolded before me was an extraordinary testament of faith and trust. It was as if God knew exactly who and what to place before me to ensure I had everything I needed to persevere.

The kindness and generosity of volunteers giving us water refreshed our body and spirits. The distant sounds of the awaiting festival propelled us forward. The fellow pilgrims, walking, praying, and singing together, encouraged all of us and created a strong sense of camaraderie.

Metaphorically, isn’t this analogous to our own lives? The transformation experienced during World Youth Day isn’t merely about traversing the beautiful city of Lisbon or partaking in the world’s grandest youth gathering. It’s about recognizing that my struggles and aspirations are shared by others who are also striving to find hope and choose love. That there are others walking alongside me, and that alone provides the comfort I need.

It’s about recognizing that, in the challenges, moments of doubt, and frustrations, God remains unwaveringly faithful.

Reflecting on my life, I’m reminded of how he has woven people and moments of grace to sustain me thus far. Even during my pilgrimage in Lisbon, words fail to capture how beautifully God broke down my walls, healed my wounds, and ignited a fresh sense of life within me.

At the Opening Ceremony, Pope Francis led us to echo “Todos! Todos! Todos!” reminding us that the Church is for everyone: all are called to sanctity; all are called to embark on the pilgrimage towards Christ. Yes, our lives are arduous and demanding. But the Lord is steadfast, and, having experienced this personally, I am now convinced that even someone as ordinary as myself can be part of this path towards sainthood.

In Lisbon, I chose to move forward, heading towards the final destination where we’d gather to celebrate Mass with the Holy Father. Now, I opt to continue my life’s pilgrimage, headed towards the Most Holy Father, Son, and Spirit, where, one day, I hope to see all the fellow pilgrims I met at World Youth Day in heaven as fellow saints.

The way there will undoubtedly present its challenges, but I know it will be immensely worthwhile. I am on my pilgrimage to heaven, and the journey continues to inspire and guide my life.

Therese Lee
Surrey

You recently published another disappointing letter from someone who won’t participate in physical touch during Mass.

First, it is an error for the writer to compare faith-based interpersonal relations with those in the business world.

Most people would conclude that the choice of whether to shake someone’s hand in a greeting of peace, or to just smile, or maybe even offer two outstretched fingers in the peace symbol, constitutes a personal choice, as is the wearing of masks. This wouldn’t be an issue at all if it weren’t for the pandemic.

In general, humans are by nature tactile animals, so making physical contact as a sign of peace is only natural, as well as being completely non-threatening. It’s each person’s call.

Penny Oyama
Burnaby

A recent letter writer was disheartened to read my letter dismissing the scientific consensus regarding climate change and went on to quote the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

To quote a recent IPCC article, “More than a century of burning fossil fuels as well as unequal and unsustainable energy and land use has led to global warming of 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels.”

How does an organization founded in 1988 have the data to compare pre-industrial levels, where neither the instrumentation nor planetary measurements were available?

What do they mean by unsustainable energy and land use? 

And what if the 1.1°C supposed warming allows the world to grow more food in places like Canada?

Why is Pope Francis’ exhortation aimed at drawing draw attention to climate change as an imperative ethical, spiritual, and social challenge of stewardship when there are so many more pressing ethical, spiritual, and social challenges in the world today? Like wars, declining religious practice, and failed states through mismanagement and corruption.

Is paying carbon taxes the only charitable and stewardship ways to look after the planet?

The IPCC and their celebrity followers have made sweeping generalizations and wrong predictions so often that issuing emotionally worded warnings are simply more hype for the climate-change faithful to hang their hats on.

This is a politically divisive issue, not based on pure statistical science but on rhetoric and social pressure.

Climate change should remain in the area of politics.

Kevin O’Mahony
North Vancouver

Jenna McDonald’s Nov. 27 column “Modern priesthood is killing our priests” was excellent. 

What is missing is an appeal to our Archbishop to make sure priests are not burnt out Only the bishop can change the responsibilities of a parish priest. We have so many Catholic doctors, lawyers, teachers, social workers, businesspeople, and parents who run a family and their full-time jobs. Can they not come up with a blueprint for managing a parish?

Priests also need to feel free at any time to ask the bishop for help and I am sure they will find a listening ear.

Ideally, every priest should live in a community of priests, even if they have to live in separate houses. Emphasis must be put on establishing during seminary a supportive group of people who become lifelong friends. Priests from other continents might especially feel alienated if there is not a circle of friends, like a family , whom they feel at home with.

Priests are the only ones who really know what it feels like to be in such a lonely position, and those who have found answers on how to deal with parish-specific burdens should share them.

Marianne Werner
Vancouver 

Recently I was at the kneeler at Mass. The man serving the Body of Christ had obviously just bathed his hands in hand sanitizer. Think about it. The assumption is that we are filthy humanoids covered in bacteria and germs, and to avoid passing these dangerous germs onto others we need a chemical bath.

I looked at the list of chemicals in that bottle, because I was forced to breathe them in from the hands putting that host into my mouth. That big whiff of chemicals nearly caused me to pass out.

What is going on? Is there something wrong with soap and water? Why should I have to approach the Body of Christ with such trepidation?

Alvina Schick
Vancouver

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