TORONTO, July 24, 2002 (LSN.ca) – Yesterday’s WYD report was filed before the end of the Tuesday afternoon opening mass at World Youth Day. Following that event the massive crowd of young people divided into many directions flooding the entire Toronto Exhibition grounds and buildings with singing, cheering and dancing groups. Our LifeSite reporter says that although the crowd was estimated to be 200,000 it seemed to be a million because of the exuberance and energy of the young pilgrims. There was a wide variety of first-class entertainment throughout the huge area – all of it clean, healthy entertainment with no objectionable lyrics, stage gyrations or lack of clothing on the performers. Nevertheless the entertainment was as lively as any, with Christian rock, Celtic music, packed swing dancing at the World Youth Alliance cafe and much more. The Canadian contemporary Celtic music group Leahy put on a blockbuster two hour performance on the giant main stage in front of thousands of cheering, group-dancing youth. LifeSite reporter Steve Jalsevac says that the first astounding day would cause anyone to quickly have his or her faith in youth restored or strengthened – so powerful was the experience of being among the mass of friendly, respectful and yet naturally energetic youth from 170 countries. The event suggests, says Jalsevac, that given the opportunity and especially the proper environment and guidance, most youth would respond the same. “This highlights the deadly flaws in today’s typical western culture that squelches idealism and encourages young people to become involved in activities that are harmful to their natural dignity and creative abilities,” said Jalsevac.
One Toronto youth offered to LifeSite that he has never encountered so many very friendly young people in downtown Toronto and at the exhibition grounds. He emphasized “there wasn’t anything negative all day” in what he saw of the behaviour of the youth.
The pilgrimage is not without its logistical problems though. There is a shortage of volunteers for the gigantic event. The quality of the mass-produced meals has some pilgrims grumbling and many are having a rough time in the very Spartan accommodations in school gymnasiums and other makeshift facilities. As well, it was obvious yesterday that many pilgrims were exhausted from travel, limited sleep the night before and exposure to the hot sun all day.
The young pilgrims appear to be taking the hardships in stride and are focusing on the positive. After all, yesterday most of them saw their hero, Pope John Paul II, walk down the many stairs of the aircraft that brought him to Canada and bear with dignity and without complaint his great pain and other crosses that far exceed anything most of them are encountering. That witness of love to the world is what this whole event is all about and most of the youth get it and are attempting to live it during these days of Christian love and charity.