Today our team shares a very unique combination of reflections from London. The stories told are centered around two points. First, a rally that took place in front of the Pakistani Embassy in London protesting the imprisonment of a Christian in Pakistan. The second point is that despite these challenges, the hope found at World Youth Day events sheds light on the bright future this world has which rests on the shoulders of the youth. World Youth Day 2013 is a prime example of yet another moment in Catholic history when the youth of the world will come forward to tell the true story of 21st century Catholicism. Will our team see you at World Youth Day 2013?

After working in 2 of Rio’s favelas for the afternoon, we were invited to (thank you to our friends in Rio’s Christian Life Movement) and attended the unveiling of Rio’s logo for World Youth Day next year. It was a semi-formal black tie event and no one told us. Al was particularly underdressed for the occasion (sandals, shorts, t-shirt). A couple of bishops, an archbishop, and a cardinal from Rome were in attendance. After the unveiling, we managed to get the cardinal to write a blessing for our mission trip on the inside cover of Annie’s journal. God is great!!!!!

En Rio de Janeiro hablamos con Marcele, una miembra del Movimiento de la Vida Cristiana en Brasil sobre su experiencia en la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud en Madrid este verano pasado. Ahora que el JMJ viene a Rio en 2013, ella esta trabajando como voluntaria para el evento aqui el ano que viene.

December 7th 2011 ~ The Catholic faith is universally oriented toward encountering the risen Christ on every continent of this earth, including the ‘digital continent.’ Young and old alike can take real fundamental steps toward a dialogue with the creator of the universe through and encounter with these ‘one billion Catholic stories.’ Perhaps you have always wanted to share your story of encounter with Catholicism, if that is true, then this website is the best online platform to accomplish your goal. First step, e-mail seth@onebillionstories.com to make it happen. Blessings

November 29th 2011 ~ When will our Catholic faith shine again up ‘on the hill as a beacon of light?’ I believe we are moving in that direction, thanks to young men like this gentlemen whom we met at the end of the Camino de Santiago in August. He is not afraid to wear his Catholic faith on his sleeve and perhaps you could do the same? How? Share this story with family and friends with a special note to accompany, then get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. Till next time on the ‘digital continent,’….tomorrow.

August 26th 2011 ~ Today you will hear a young man from the Philipines reflect on his experience at World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain and his hope for all pilgrims who attended. Share with family and friends using the button above.

August 25th 2011 ~ Recovery day.

August 22rd 2011 ~ The closing Vigil and Mass at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid Spain was amazing. Inclement weather of lightning and rain only added to the wonderful spirit of being one body in Christ as pilgrims from every nation huddled beside each other in prayer, and for warmth. Pope Benedict XVI stayed strong despite pouring rain and heavy winds. Viva El Papa!