Friday, July 29th, was a special day for all the participants. Besides the catechesis, the youth festival and the Eucharist in various language groups, we also participated in the Way of the Cross. Blonie in Cracow hosted hundreds of thousands of people who, together with Pope Francis, meditated on the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The traditional stations of the Way of the Cross were meditated in the light of the works of spiritual and corporal mercy. The words of the Scripture were related to the specific situation of contemporary world, and led all participants to meditate.
In his speech, the Holy Father, referred to the difficult experiences of many people, such as war, terrorism and violence, and underscored that God is present in all those who suffer. The Pope underlined that the works of mercy help us open ourselves to the mercy of God. The world is in need of young people who do not want to live their lives by half. He exhorted the youth to donate their lives so as to become active protagonists of service and charity. The presentation of the single stations was very interesting, done with music and theatrical performances. The Way of the Cross was interpreted by actors who illustrated the reflections that were proposed.
Also the Rector Major lived this day with deep intensity. He held a catechesis to the young in English and celebrated the Eucharist in Spanish. At the end of the day he also participated in the Way of the Cross.
It is worth mentioning that in the morning the Holy Father went to the concentration camp of Auschwitz. There he prayed for the victims of Nazi crimes and met some ex-prisoners of the camp.
