Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Melo (Fides Service) - “Bread of Life to Share” was the theme of National Youth Day held recently in Uruguay, not long after the memorable World Youth Day event in August in Germany, presided by Pope Benedict XVI Oblate Missionary Fr Antonio Messeri reports. On Sunday 4 August about 4,500 young people reflected on the theme and the words of the Day’s hymn: “Blessed Sacrament you give me life and strength, you make yourself so small I can hold you, and you enter me so I can carry on your mission”.
The priest shared his experience with Fides. “We set off at three in the morning although the weather forcast was rain and wind. After several hours we arrived and were given a wonderful welcome in the hosting diocese of Melo. Then the Day began. All 4,500 young people were in high spirits, the hymns and the words of welcome by the Bishop Luis del Castillo Estrada opened our hearts to the experience. The air was filled with fragrance, one in particular, a rice dish being prepared for lunch. In an enormous pot the cook had fried 150 onions in 100 litres of oil for 500 kg of rice. The Gaucho style cook complete with his traditional hat used a builder’s shovel to stir the rice.
It was a wonderful to see the youngsters sit in groups on the ground with a dish of hot rice and the Bishops with their trainers and backpacks. It was an experience of unity with almost all our bishops present, the youngest of whom presided the Eucharist celebrated with deep devotion. It was a wonderful Day, a real celebration. We truly lived the motto “Bread of Life to Share” to the full. We shared everything, journey, fatigue, lunch, celebration, and Mass all with the certainty that 4 September 2005 will be a day to remember. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/9/2005 righe 25, parole 282)
