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| Saturday night, Prayer Vigil |
| Fr. Mark & Doug Barry |
| Father Mark entered religious life in March of 1994 and was ordained a priest in October 2003. He grew up in Huntsville Alabama and attended the Colorado School of Mines. He earned a B.S. in Engineering Physics and worked for two years in Huntsville for a small company that specialized in defense contracts for the government. Father Mark is currently the Novice Master and chaplain for EWTN. He is currently host of Life on the Rock. |
Saturday, August 20, 2011
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| We had quite a dramatic evening at the prayer vigil. A terrific storm blew in and threatened to end the celebration before the Holy Father was able to give his address. They had to pause everything, and try to wait the storm out. It did eventually blow over, while Pope Benedict steadfastly remained up at the altar. He had a delight in his eyes as he gazed upon the crowds who remained enthusiastic despite the winds and the rain. Br. Tarsius made it up to the front of the crowds, and he was astounded at the peaceful spirit there and how people were helping one another deal with the rain. Brother also said he was amazed at the reverence and devotion people had during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. To see that massive crowd in adoration is a sight to behold. You can feel the presence of God there. I think having adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the prayer vigil teaches the young people volumes about the faith.
The first is that we are all disciples of the Lord, including our Holy Father. He is kneeling with all of us facing Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. It also teaches us to pray and find our peace in Him; He is there waiting for us in the silence of adoration. He also wants to strengthen our faith through our communion with Him in the Sacraments. WYD is about encountering Christ, and I think the youth experiencing just that here in Madrid. |
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