Pope Benedict XVI on rediscovering the path of beauty

On Wednesday B16 said something so profound and touching about beauty. I felt this was very special as I had just recently had my breath taken away by my visits to Museo del Prado during WYD 2011 (see previous post).
Courtesy of Vatican Radio here is an excerpt:

“there are artistic expressions that are true paths to God, the supreme Beauty, indeed they help nurture our relationship with Him in prayer. These are works that are born of faith and express faith. One example of this is when we visit a Gothic cathedral; we are enraptured by the vertical lines that shoot up towards the sky and draw our eyes and our spirits upwards, while at the same time, we feel small, and yet eager for fullness ... Or when we enter a Romanesque church: we are spontaneously invited to recollection and prayer. We feel as if the faith of generations were enclosed in these splendid buildings. Or, when we hear a piece of sacred music that vibrates the strings of our heart, our soul expands and helped to turn to God."

My WYD 2011 experience Part 2

One of the highlights of my first ever visit to Madrid was the Museo del Prado. So much so that I visited it on 4 separate occasions (getting in 3 times). They had a wonderful exposition highlighting "The Word made Image". Plus there was a special guest painting "The Deposition" by Caravaggio. Simply breathtaking.

So, to share with you some of the art works (although the 14 pieces are greatly diminished on the Internet) please go to: www.museodelprado.es/en/pradomedia/multimedia/the-word-made-image-1/

My WYD 2011 recap - JMJ Madrid part1

3 Abp Chaput's in one shot

Confessionals side view

I have recovered from my pilgrimage and would love to share some of the images I took with you. Of course, the star of the show was Jesus, in the Eucharist, in His Priests, and in His People. You can see the crowds that gathered from around the world to welcome the Pope and Jesus in the Eucharist in the airfield South West of Madrid. All along the walk to the venue the locals were very accommodating and sprayed us with water to save us from the 40+ degree heat (Celsius), even the firemen helped.

But before the huge Mass, we needed to go to confession. You can see the amazing number of confessionals in the pictures above, they were lined up as far as the eye can see in both directions in Retiro Park.

I spent many days visiting the Love and Life centre where the guests were Abp Chaput and Fr Baron among others. But the highlight was definitely the "Catholic Underground" Eucharistic adoration sessions hosted by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The music was beautiful, the lyrics meaningful and the presence of God tangible. On Friday after the Stations of the Cross we had the most amazing adoration which left many people in tears of gratitude.

Confessionals as far as the eye can see

Our dearest guest and Host, Jesus

Firemen cooling down the pilgrims as they arrive for the vigil

So close yet so far

World Youth Day 2011: 1 English Speaking South African on his way

My place in Madrid was confirmed today. I am so excited as this will be my first world youth day ever. I am trying to do the prep work to make the most of the time. i welcome any suggestions. So far I think I will be able to hear my heroes Fr Stan Fortuna, Fr Robert Barron, Archbishop Chaput and last, but not least: Pope Benedict XVI.
It is proving a little more difficult than I expected to plan my days, but so far I have found Love and Life (featuring Abp Chaput and Fr Robert Barron) and Viva la Vida (featuring Fr Stan Fortuna).
There is a great video called "Spiritual Prep" at the Love and Life page, just spend a few minutes watching it, it really gives some solid food for thought:


And here is one reason why I love Fr Barron when he dishes up the Truth:


Lastly, Fr Stan giving a taste of the Glory of the Mass: