Though I live in metro-Detroit, this week my heart is in Spain.
I 
feel very close to our Blessed Mother (whose great feast day is August 15, the day before all festivities begin.) She must be looking down with great maternal love, care, and yes, even a little bit of motherly pride on her children united with the Pope this week in Madrid.
These are the shining lights of our Church. I believe that, when a young person is on fire for Jesus Christ, they are the most fervent witness for our faith. I know with certainty that our Church is alive and achieving its purpose when I see all their youthful zeal and open hearts to God’s divine inspiration and will.
This annual gathering brings to fulfillment the words from the Regnum Christ prayer for the Pope:
“I renew my unconditional loyalty to your vicar on earth, the Pope…keep your Church united around him, firm in her belief and action, that she may truly be the instrument of your redemption.”
I ask everyone to join me in prayer this week for the success of World Youth Day. I suggest you use the 2011 prayer written for this purpose.
