10 Years Ago: I Remember World Youth Day in Toronto.

July 23-28 marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Day (WYD) 2002, an event hosted by the Canadian Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Toronto. As we liked to say back then, it was a celebration of life, a celebration of faith, a celebration of diversity and a celebration of youth. Reflecting back on those special days there's no shortage of powerful images and memories that flood the memory bank as we remember the last Papal Visit to these shores. In no particular order, some reflections that remain deeply etched in the spiritual highlight reel of my own personal journey:

The Arrival of Blessed Pope John Paul II - in what would be his final World Youth Day, the media were speculating whether the Holy Father would even be able to make it to Canada yet once again, he defied the skeptics. With preparations at the airport for a special lift behind the plane to allow him to descend the jet out of view of cameras and media, Pope John Paul II would have nothing of it, instead gingerly making his way down the steps on the tarmac, slowly but surely. It sent a signal to everyone involved in World Youth Day that despite our physical, spiritual or emotional challenges, with God's love and our own perserverance, anything is possible. To those who had come on pilgrimage from around the world, raised thousands of dollars, made huge sacrifices, it was a reminder that we all have our crosses to carry. As startled media and organizers looked on, it set the tone for the rest of the week.

It goes without saying that the rest of the week with the Holy Father was special. You knew that he was in his final years and that this would likely be his last World Youth Day. And he knew it too. He shared something special with us that week, like a grandfather visiting with the grandkids and sharing pearls of wisdom. Living his illness so publicly was an inspiration to all and those images remain a powerful public witness to his suffering. And just to show it wasn't a fluke, he did the same thing when he left - walked up the steps to his plane. The bookends of hope.

The Spirit of the Streets of Toronto - having experienced four World Youth Days, one of my own favorite moments is waking up on the start of Day 1 and witnessing the city's reaction to the descent of hundreds of thousands of young people on their city. Most people who aren't Catholic have heard or read something about WYD coming to their community but don't give it a whole lot of thought. They think of a convention down at the Ex where they might see a few people with lanyards but it really doesn't impact their day to day.

Well cue the singing on streetcars and subways, high fives to commuters heading into work, an injection of joy and happiness into the host city and all of a sudden everyone is engaged in WYD. The smiles that you see from complete strangers, people with an air of friendliness and hospitality, you couldn't help but be affected by the spontaneous kindness and joyful hope of the youth of the world calling Canada home for a few days. It infected the city in a way that I don't believe we've seen before or will likely see until the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup - like I said, we may be waiting a while.

It's also worth noting that countless dioceses throughout Canada hosted thousands of pilgrims in the lead up to World Youth Days in Toronto with the Days in the Diocese program. This was a wonderful opportunity for our foreign visitors to get to know the diversity and beauty of our country, in addition to them realizing that they can't drive from Toronto - Vancouver for a "day trip".

Walking Among the Bishops & Clergy - most Catholics see clergy and bishops on the altar week to week as they preside at Mass or speak at an event. One of the real joys of World Youth Days is getting to spend time with bishops and clergy on a more personal level: walking through the subway station, on the way to sessions, at the ice cream stand. Breaking down the hierarchy of the church, engaging in healthy dialogue and affirming one another. There are many moments like that taking place throughout every WYD. To see it in one's own city is a joy.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - for many, it's not a sacrament at the top of their list. Yet World Youth Day has the ability to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation cool again, the kid in the class that everyone wants to hang with, the t-shirt that you've gotta have. At World Youth Day, you overhear countless conversations about "going to confession" to the point that you feel like you need to have your own personal experience to share. Has something changed about the sacrament, is there a new set of lines that we need to use? Nope. It's about unpacking the rocks in our pockets that weigh us down, wiping the slate clean, starting anew.

At WYD in Toronto, Duc in Altum Park on the shores of Lake Ontario was home to hundreds of thousands of confessions throughout the week. I remember my confessor, a priest from western Canada. It was one of those grace filled moments we all hope to experience a few times in our life. At the end of our time together, he looked at me and said, "I will make the walking pilgrimage at WYD later this week for your intentions." I never forgot that. And God was smiling on us later that week when I happened to bump into him at the very end of the walking pilgrimage into Downsview Park.

Stations of the Cross - At WYD in Toronto, hundreds of thousands lined University Ave. for an elaborate retelling of the story of the final days of Christ's journey. They say there's a separation between church and state but these Stations included a stop literally on the doorstep of the Provincial Legislature, snaking its way around cultural city icons like the Royal Ontario Museum. Young people practised for months and their powerful tableaus were beamed around the world, reminding us all that faith does have a role in the public square.

A Media Miracle - While there are plenty of stories and opportunities to be angry or critical of the Catholic Church, World Youth Day 2002, for the most part, was a conversion moment for many local and national media. Wall to wall coverage on most networks, newspapers and radio stations, these days prompted even non-Catholic commentators to admire the courage of hosting such a global gathering, embracing the spirit of the pilgrims and watching in awe a Pope in his final years serve as a witness to the world. Reporters today still speak of that experience and how it was an event "quite unlike any other". The efforts of WYD also led to another fruit in our country, the founding of Salt + Light Catholic Television with many of those inspired or deeply involved in WYD continuing their journey of serving the church in this new ministry.

I was fortunate enough to be in the media area for the final Mass at World Youth Day in Toronto, assisting one of the national networks in offering some insights from time to time. Only twice in my career can I recall a member of the media asking me to take a picture of them. On this occasion, the anchor wanted me to capture a photograph of her as the Popemobile made its way past the broadcast position. She wanted to capture that moment in history as she said to me, "to document that I was a part of this amazing experience with such an inspiring leader." For a journalist to say this having covered any number of historical occasions was a powerful observation.

It was a little strange to see World Youth Day going on in one's own home city. We tend to think of large scale events going on somewhere else but to see the places we encounter day to day infused and literally marinated with Catholicity was something to behold.

He Shall "Rain" Forever - the overnight vigil held at Downsview Park brought with it some terrifying weather, a real downpour overnight with tornado warnings that threatened a mass evacuation at one point (never publicly announced and really where would you put all those pilgrims?). With daybreak and a Papal Mass to come, one wondered whether or not the whole thing would be a rain filled occasion similar to the 1984 Papal Mass in Toronto and its overcast day in the same setting some 18 years earlier. Yet with the arrival of Pope John Paul II came another minor miracle of WYD - sunshine blazing through the clouds. You'd almost think the Holy Father had some connections up above:) It was the cherry on top of the WYD experience, the exclamation mark from the Pontiff who would go on to share poignant words in his homily to the close to 1 million gathered for the final Mass:

 "You are young, and the Pope is old, 82 or 83 years of life is not the same as 22 or 23. But the Pope still fully identifies with your hopes and aspirations. Although I have lived through much darkness, under harsh totalitarian regimes, I have seen enough evidence to be unshakably convinced that no difficulty, no fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal in the hearts of the young. You are our hope, the young are our hope."

Who knows the countless other blessings from those days in July, those who may have been inspired to pursue a vocation, recommitting themselves to their faith, discovering their Catholicity or bringing a loved one into their spiritual circle. No doubt all those who participated have their own stories and reflections.

Yes, there were plenty of challenges along the way but the memory bank tends to push those to the side especially this time around, recounting those days in July that helped reboot our spiritual batteries.

I thank God for the gift of World Youth Days in Canada, the ups and downs that came with it, the crosses that were carried, the sacrifices, the difficult days. We are all better for it.

And there are still days when I catch the glimpse of someone wearing a WYD 2002 backpack. I think of where that backpack has been - through all sorts of weather, carrying important documents, food to nourish on the journey, clothes for warmth. I carry with me my own mental backpack of memories. It's overflowing with stories, encounters and blessings that have been relived many times over.

World Youth Day 2002. I was proud of my city, my country and most of all, proud to be Catholic. 

Happy 10th Anniversary!


Neil MacCarthy is the Director of Public Relations & Communications at the Archdiocese of Toronto

Photos: Bill Wittman, Archdiocese of Toronto

Flashback: My Summer with the World Youth Day Cross

Hard to believe that we're celebrating the 10 year anniversary of World Youth Day (WYD) coming to Canada and, specifically, the Archdiocese of Toronto. These were grace filled moments not only for our faith community but for all those who were impacted by the Papal Visit. If you were living in the Greater Toronto Area in 2002, you'd be hard pressed not to have come into contact with WYD.

I was blessed to have a small role in helping bring the WYD experience to life in our Archdiocese, seconded from my "day" job to coordinate the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day Cross for the 47 days leading up to this global event in Toronto, June 6- July 23, 2002.

For those unfamiliar with the simple cross, you might compare it to the Olympic Flame, a powerful symbol that first began its trek around the world in 1984. Two crosses exist today as they did 10 years ago, with one a mobile symbol of World Youth Days and the second housed in the San Lorenzo Youth Centre, steps from St. Peter's Square, welcoming global visitors daily.

The cross had spent the year leading up to WYD traveling throughout Canada, raising awareness everywhere it went. The journey of 40,000 km was the subject of books, countless media articles and plenty of photographs. In our vast nation, the cross traveled by airplane, boat, car, snowmobile and most importantly, by foot, carried by pilgrims of every age, ethnicity and background.

About six weeks prior to the start of WYD, 19 "Portageurs", recalling the portages of the First Nations peoples and early Canadian missionaries, made the 543 km pilgrimage from Montreal to Toronto carrying the cross and staying in host families every evening. These 19 young adults from across Canada made a very public witness with stories of prayer, reconciliation and hope that won't soon be forgotten.

I consider working on the pilgrimage of the WYD Cross one of the greatest blessings of my life. In the months leading up the journey of the cross in the Archdiocese of Toronto, I saw unity, cooperation, creativity, prayer and mutual support unlike any other project I'd worked on in my time with the church. Every region of the Archdiocese had a specified number of days with the cross. With more than 220 Catholic Churches, it just wasn't possible to have every parish host it. This really was a blessing in disguise. It forced parishes and lay movements to work together to come up with creative ways to include everyone in the journey. We also challenged local organizers to consider places where the cross was needed for "evangelization". While visits to local churches were certainly appreciated and a necessary part of the journey, we asked communities to look at the greater pastoral needs in their area.

The result? In many ways, a 47 day spiritual buffet that would leave one bursting. The WYD Cross made its way to Georgian Downs Racetrack for a prayer service for those with addictions; it appeared next to shops in Bloor West Village on its way from church to church. You might find the WYD Cross at a local hospital with cancer patients coming out of their rooms for the first time in days to touch this simple piece of wood. It showed up at the Eaton Centre, one of the busiest "marketplaces" in the country alongside big box stores before a stint at Queen's Park subway station, where commuters stopped during the morning rush hour to pray before this amazing symbol of our faith.

The aboriginal community held a service that went all night long with healing services, talking circles and other moments of reconciliation. In Newmarket, the WYD Cross was just beyond 2nd base, participating in a baseball game with youth from local schools before heading to the Canadian Forces Base in Borden.

All this for a simple cross. Nothing fancy - chipped wood demonstrating the wear and tear of the travels, much like each one of us. Imperfect, struggling at times, bruised, wounded but still standing.

There were so many wonderful stories that came from those days with the WYD Cross. I also remember the challenges - one morning where the cross went missing and we thought it had been kidnapped, somewhat wobbly improvised travel devices on the back of trucks leading to a few close calls but leaving the cross still intact. And then there was the CN Tower.

We always thought it would be an amazing experience to take the WYD Cross to the highest point ever (CN Tower) but we were a little unsure as to whether or not the folks at the tower would go for it, I got in touch with them only to find them more than receptive, in fact, quite excited about the whole idea. Our biggest challenge - would the cross fit in the elevator? While the idea of pilgrimage was certainly front and centre navigating the World Youth Day Cross up more than 1,700 steps just wasn't going to cut it. The cross did come apart allowing it to be transported in two separate pieces making things a little bit easier. That said, the CN Tower elevators weren't exactly designed with its proportions in mind.

Due to the heavy schedule of advertised events, we weren't in a position to do a dry run. So on the day in question, we brought our team down to the base of the tower along with some volunteers who would be photographed at the top to see if God was really watching down on us. Let's just say it fit but barely. The length of the cross didn't stand up straight in the elevator but we were able to wedge it in successfully.

From what I recall I always thought that we'd be taking the cross to the outdoor observation area. It was only a day before the "event" that the CN Tower Marketing Manager remarked, "Oh no, you're going right to the top, I mean the top."

Well we never exactly made it to the top the first time around. You see, the day was overcast and once we got to our stop with the elevator we retrieved the cross and managed to get it out and up a set of stairs, essentially steps away from heading outside to "the top". A door opened and all of a sudden I heard a thunder clap along with a lightning bolt that felt as though it struck right beside me. The Marketing Manager who accompanied us shot a quick glance and deadpanned - "God doesn't want us out there today." I agreed. We made our way down the elevator, somewhat deflated but still in one piece (or two to be honest if you were the WYD Cross) and plotted about trying to find a 90 minute window somewhere in the schedule to recreate the experience.

We found that window a week later and repeated the process, although this day turned out to be very clear with no chance of showers or more importantly, lightning and thunderstorms (thank you God). We made our way to the top and this time when opening the door, we saw nothing but sunlight.

Now if you've never been to the roof of the CN Tower (if you have been, you probably shouldn't have been there so I don't want to know) it's an experience that is a) quite the rush and b) a little scary. The cozy observation deck that most tourists enjoy have a full out fence that prevents any possibility of falling down. See the pic at the top of this posting of Sean, a brave volunteer, precariously close to the edge with essentially no guard rail.

Picture me outside with a few other volunteers with a large heavy cross and little protection. A blessed moment? Well yes, probably more after the fact. The short term reality was kicking in for me. I had this terrible thought - what would happen if a gust of wind (trust me it was windy up there) caught the WYD Cross and it flew out of our hands and toppled over the top of the roof. Some unsuspecting individual/s walking the streets of Toronto would surely meet their demise. In addition to the tragedy, I could just imagine the headlines newspaper writers would be coming up with - I certainly didn't want to be the one responsible for what one would term a "career limiting" move for more than a few of us.

So holding on to the cross with a vice-like grip, we managed to hold it down for a few pics with the photographer and the television helicopter buzzing around at eye level up at about 1,800 ft. We had a prayer as well my own personal speed novena, rosary and request for intervention from every saint imaginable to keep this cross grounded so to speak.

Yes, quite the experience and I'm happy to say I wasn't personally responsible for the demise of anyone related to the pilgrimage or the cross itself. In some ways, it feels like it was just yesterday 47 days of blessings and moments that will be etched in my memory forever. The World Youth Day Cross was like that distant relative or cousin who comes and stays with you for a summer. The stories, the memories, the laughs, the tears. You try and explain it to someone else but somehow it's just not the same. 

Well my distant cousin left quite a mark in our country and continues to travel the world sharing joy and peace wherever the WYD Cross travels. I'm not part of that experience but for the rest of my life I will cherish those 47 days in June and July 2002.

So when someone asks what my highlight of that summer was, living in the big city? No it wasn't a concert or mega party, it wasn't watching professional athletes or celebrating the purchase of a new gizmo. It's pretty simple. The highlight? I helped carry a wooden cross around my community and made sure it wasn't stolen or fell off the CN Tower. And it was awesome!

Neil MacCarthy is the Director of PR & Communications at the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Catholic Grandparents - A Vital Connection...

There are many fruits that can come out of a pilgrimage. This past June in Dublin was no exception. You begin the journey anticipating one thing and find along the way all sorts of blessings that were unanticipated, "wow" moments that were never on your radar when you first began.

One of the great fruits that I found at the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin this past June was to learn more about the Catholic Grandparents Association. 

For many of us, grandparents have been inspiring, steady anchors in our families through the ups and downs, models to whom we look for example, advice and wisdom. We saw the love that the youth of the world had for Blessed Pope John Paul II, himself a grandfatherly figure, initiating the international World Youth Days and numerous other gatherings for young people. 

Motivated by a love for her faith and a desire to raise the profile of the opportunity that existed for a more defined "grandparent ministry", Catherine Wiley, (pictured at left below) a grandparent in Ireland, decided to take action by organizing a pilgrimage specifically for grandparents in 2002 in gratitude to Sts. Joachim & Anne (Grandparents of Jesus) for all that they've done to pass on the faith. 

By 2006, the pilgrimage in Knock, Ireland (blessed by Pope Benedict) had grown to attract more than 14,000 participants. It was a powerful statement from these wise and faithful men and women who have given so many years to their families and their faith.

Today, there are numerous pilgrimages throughout the world for Catholic Grandparents, including events in the United States, England, Germany, Tanzania and Australia to name a few. Could a Canadian initiative be in the offing? It would be a real blessing for the church in our nation to have such a presence and coordinated ministry.

The pilgrimages include efforts to connect with local schools, encouraging students to compose prayers of thanksgiving for their grandparents that are then presented at the large Eucharistic Celebration, the summit of the pilgrimage experience.

Catherine had the opportunity to present a workshop with participants at the IEC and was also interviewed during one of our many plenary session breaks. Her workshop was a highlight for many attending the congress with a standing ovation and hundreds of inquiries to the organization in the days that followed. 

Catherine also shared her personal story of writing to Pope Benedict XVI asking for a universal prayer for Grandparents. An excerpt from her presentation:

"Seven years ago, I wrote to our Holy Father in desperation and begged him to write a universal prayer for Grandparents because as a Grandmother, even though I was a practising Catholic, I felt I was failing my family. I felt unable to pass on my faith, because some members of my family were scorning and rejecting it.  I felt hurt and excluded.

Nobody believed that the Pope would ever write the prayer. I never doubted it. My mission was to ensure that he saw the request (not an easy task as you can imagine). I knew, absolutely, that once he did, he would not hesitate, and when he did, he summed it up perfectly."

Lord Jesus,
you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on Grandparents the world over.
Protect them! They are a source of enrichment
for families, for the Church and for all of society.
Support them! As they grow older,
may they continue to be for their families
strong pillars of Gospel faith,
guardians of noble domestic ideals,
living treasuries of sound religious traditions.
Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to future generations the fruits
of their mature human and spiritual experience.

Lord Jesus,
help families and society
to value the presence and roles of Grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded,
but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
in all the years of life which you give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living,
keep Grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly Pilgrimage,
and by your prayers, grant that all families
may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity
for the great embrace of live without end. Amen

"You can see why our Holy Father has become known as the champion of Grandparents – the Grandparents’ Pope. He understands.

Grandparents desperately needed this prayer to help restore their confidence and strengthen their faith.  They need to be reassured that the Church is aware of their plight and is there to help them. And they need to be given the courage and support to proclaim their faith, to fulfil their sacred obligation of passing on the faith.  Grandparents are the natural Evangelisers embedded in the heart of the family.

After receiving the Holy Father’s Prayer for Grandparents, we founded the Catholic Grandparents Association to fulfil the great need that the people of Ireland themselves said they needed."

Our grandparents have so much to offer our church and families. It's already happening in quiet ways throughout our Archdiocese, country and global church community. However, there is an opportunity to channel the energy, gifts and talents with initiatives like the Catholic Grandparents Association to spark a flame in those who may not be engaged, to encourage prayer from grandparents for children and vice versa, to help energize those in our parishes who may be looking for that additional spark to launch their involvement.

Kudos to Catherine Wiley and all those involved in this initiative worldwide. Pope Benedict XVI has been a strong supporter of the group's work and by penning a special prayer for grandparents, he's reminded us all that they must never be forgotten or excluded, rather, embraced and loved, pillars of our faith community.

Check out their website here - they've even got a Facebook page with photos and other great info. 

So for all those thinking that pilgrimage is just for the young, look over your shoulder. You might see Grams or Gramps on your heels. When you do, stop, wait and take the journey together. Because after all, we are family!

Salt & Light Catholic TV: A Beacon of Hope!

Hard to believe it's been almost five months since the Archbishop of Toronto was elevated to the College of Cardinals. The year has seemed like a bit of a whirlwind with so many activities, events and issues taking place both locally, nationally and globally as they intersect with the church.

Some of the busiest workers in the vineyard of the Lord this year have been the staff at Salt + Light Catholic Television Network. Based in Toronto, the Canadian Catholic Television network, born on the wings of World Youth Day 2002 in Canada, continue to do incredible work, tirelessly producing faith programming on any number of topics. Teams from Salt + Light have traveled across Canada and around the globe this year.

CEO Fr. Tom Rosica was instrumental in the success of the consistory related events in Rome. If you've never been to the Vatican before, there is no better tour guide, security guard, media relations expert, clerical ambassador or translator among other qualities than Fr. Tom. If you think you've seen the Vatican, think again. He helps you discover every nook and cranny, helping make the pilgrimage one that you'll never forget. The Swiss Guard who faithfully has served for more than a decade? Fr. Tom knows him. The vendor selling gelato for 5 Euros? Fr. Tom will point you towards Antonio a block away at half the price. It's pretty amazing to see!

On a personal level, he was of immense help in our work with the media, facilitating interview space with our team and Cardinal Collins, jumping in for a few interviews with the secular press and providing unprecedented coverage of the elevation of a Canadian cardinal on Salt + Light Television.

Those who enjoy Cardinal Collins' Lectio Divina on Salt + Light or YouTube have the network to thank as they have filmed and broadcast the series since its inauguration in Toronto.

If you visit the Salt + Light TV studios on any given day, you'll also be struck by the number of young people who are engaged in this important ministry. Tireless in their efforts, joyful in their faith and ready to tackle any story on a moment's notice, it's been a pleasure having the opportunity to work with and alongside many of the Salt + Light staff over the years. It's rare that a day or two goes by when we are not interacting with them on a particular initiative or story.

With a crowded television universe out there, hundreds of channels, plenty to choose from, we need to ensure that we support our Catholic media - whether it be radio, television or newspapers. It's not an easy job - television, especially, is a costly venture and to keep up with the standards of secular broadcasters on a fraction of the budget isn't easy. If you haven't subscribed to Salt + Light, you're missing out. Whether it's coverage of a Vatican event, youth programming, daily Mass, news updates or coverage of significant events in the life of the Canadian church, there's literally something for everyone. Subscription cost monthly is about a cup of coffee - the network will fill you up and also give you that "Catholic rush", something caffeine just can't do. You can find all the info you need on subscribing to Salt + Light here.

Another wonderful fruit of the Consistory 2012 is a five DVD set that has been produced by S + L that literally provides a keepsake of the experience from start to finish. It includes the Ordinary Public Consistory, where each Cardinal was formally elevated, along with Mass the following day in St. Peter's Basilica, celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI with the new Cardinals.

The week leading up to the consistory is chronicled in the half hour special, "A Cardinal in the Making". Also includes are four interviews with Cardinal Collins (2 in English, one each in french and italian). The DVD set also contains three special liturgies celebrated by Cardinal Collins following the Consistory: a Mass of Thanksgiving in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, a Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto and Solemn Evening Prayer in the Cardinal's hometown parish church of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, Ontario. It's the most comprehensive documentation of those wonderful days earlier this year. You can find all the information on how to order the DVD set here.

Most recently, in Dublin, I had the chance to see S + L hard at work once again, providing coverage of the International Eucharistic Congress and sharing their work with dozens of countries around the world. Fr. Tom also took time to offer a couple of workshops, one on "Is there a Catholic media?" that is definitely worth a look. You can view the video of the session here.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of World Youth Day in our country, we give thanks for the gift of Salt + Light, providing a Catholic voice in the saturated world of mass media, a witness of young people committed to their faith and a beacon of hope providing spiritual nourishment from coast to coast.

So while most would say we have to be careful about just how much "salt" we have in our diet, in this case, I'd say "indulge". You'll be healthier for it..