Pilgrims with the Pope

When the Pope's visit to Spain became official, I remembered Father Manuel Perez Lado (RIP). Priest and host of pilgrims in the Minor Seminary of Santiago, there he lived the last three meetings with the Roman Pontiff. He was excited about them. But he was also fatigued by the administrative burden they entailed. He “emptied himself” to offer a good welcome and to facilitate a profitable stay. He enjoyed it. And he also enjoyed letting off steam: “If I catch the Apostle, he's going to hear me!”.

If our “big ones” have “given their best” and hope to the papal appointments, the “little ones” could not be less. The Youth Pastoral buses are a first choice for catechists: simple, economical and practical infrastructure. For years they have been serving a balanced cocktail between the festive and the spiritual. Pastors, in the absence of substitutes and pastoral replacements, find it more difficult to attend. A trip of this type becomes a pilgrimage and an occasion to speak “deeply”. 

The trip

It is possible to pray. “Frenzy” and organization leave space on buses, trains or flights for Liturgy of the Hours, meditation, reading, rosary, etc. The more extroverted ones enthusiastically take advantage of the songs of praise (a simple Cheerful morning has “woken up” more than one driver). In the “paleolithic” times, video and DVD set the mood or distracted the route (I remember here a legendary carnival fan from Cadiz who tested our “ear” with the language of the chirigotas...). 

If the transport is not crowded, and the “radars” of the surrounding ears are far away, the seats lend themselves to confidences. Those conversations of the “soul” that can mark a turning point in life. You don't need to be an expert; it's enough to share and listen. Ask? You can: If necessary. In your hand luggage, take a “little bottle” of patience, because the group is varied. Mrs. “Cansina” or Mr. “Criticón” also travel. It is time to live together generously and well disposed. There will be a lack of comforts, but no fun. 

The presence of “servants” from Emmaus or the Hospitality of Lourdes (for example), facilitates travel. What a veteran and what a “flavor” of early Christianity! Getting up early: always. “Do they treat you well D. Emilio?”, a parish priest was asked. He answered, knowing himself to be a bit of a “VIP”: “You have never abandoned me under a bridge. God repay you.”. Finishing a stay in Rome, I helped a colleague with his suitcases. The television in his room was broadcasting webcam images of St. Peter's Square. “I was able to pray for the Pope and the Church all the time!”, he commented. 

A meeting of parish collaborators and priests in this type of event is never forgotten. It unites, encourages, amuses and helps. “Do you like this Pope?” “How do you ask that: the Pope is the Pope.”. This is how a priest discussed a possible trip to “murmulandia” in conversation with a colleague of his. With video calls, it is easier to greet parishioners who are unable to travel. The prayer vigil with the Holy Father can be followed live from the parish halls. Two priests say that one day they spent the whole night walking because they were late arriving at their lodgings: “It was like those so-called ‘imaginary’ guards in the military service.”.   

The real fruit

In the parish we work on the slogans and “refrains” of the meeting. Some of them will be printed (in the area there is a tradition of handing out “estampitas” (holy cards). The Pope's words have “juice” and will have to be exploited in meditations, homilies, etc. Many people pray for commitments: first of all, to follow Jesus Christ. If catechists, volunteers for Caritas, married couples, priests or nuns appear, what a blessing! The media are grateful for the availability and simple language to tell about such an experience.

A final “demystification”: “It's okay if things don't work out.”. Sometimes, it is a fact; other times, it is an appearance. When a soccer team works with the youth team, it takes risks: it seems a futile effort, with no immediate victories. But the path matters. Results are not measured on the basis of triumphs. Our psychology can be “broken” by pursuing a chimerical or voluntarist “business performance”. When mocked at a public display of faith with the Pope, let us consider it an honor to associate ourselves with the Crucified One. 

At the last WYD in Lisbon, the singer Carminho wrapped forever in fado “paper” the gift of our faith with the Pope: “Tu és a estrela e eu son o peregrino”.” (You are the star and I am the pilgrim).