Tim Watkins, a local Catholic from the Archdiocese of Baltimore who is in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day, reports the following from WYD:
I am a Messenger Eagle
At least that is what I am shooting for.
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We departed Baltimore for the fourteen-and-a-half-hour journey to World Youth Day on Sunday the 21st, arriving in Rio around 9:00 AM Monday the 22nd. We were revved with excitement and anticipation. Once we cleared customs, got our bags, made the journey to the hotel, and ate lunch it was 2:00 PM. Our first day's goal was to get to the world famous Christ the Redeemer Statue.
If you have never heard anything about this statue, it is well worth the Google/Wikipedia search.
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We climbed through windy roads and into the clouds (with a stick shift no less) and found our way to the top.
Sadly, the clouds had drifted in and we were left with the possibility of disappointment of not seeing this world renowned statue. Not to be deterred we decide it would be a spiritual quest. We made the best of the situation and rather than dwell on the negative we were able to instead experience this awesome shrine in a way far better than we could have imagined. As there are times when our personal faith can be in a haze, this lesson reminds us that we will always be challenged by satan, he will attempt to hide our faith in clouded cover. It is our job to perservere and get the best out of our faith journey each and every day.
May the good Lord guide us (and His bishops and priests) in those days of haze to help us see clearly that it is the love of Christ that will shine through any cloud made to distract us. Stay focused on the prize, God's love.
St JoseMaria Escriva said:
"Get rid of that 'small-town' outlook. Enlarge your heart till it becomes universal, 'catholic'. Don't flutter about like a hen, when you can soar to the heights of an eagle."
I like to add, if I may be so bold, that you should soar to the heights not just of an eagle but of a Messenger Eagle. From World Youth Day 2013 I send you our prayers and hope that as the event's motto says that you go and make disciples of all nations, for Christ the King and Redeemer. God bless.