New Delhi (AsiaNews) - "Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ! "Citing John Paul II at the beginning of his pontificate, Fr. Warner D'Souza welcomed more than 5 thousand young people to celebrate the beatification of Karol Wojtyla. Between white and yellow decorations, posters with the most famous phrases and songs, the faithful of the Church of Mount Caramel (Bandra West, Mumbai) celebrated a "Jesus Fest, Saturday, April 30. Respect, gratitude, love and infectious joy was palpable, while a group of youths in procession carried a cross 4 meters high and an icon of the Virgin Mary. Fr. Warner is the director of the Mount Caramel Youth Movement, which organized the event. The program of the Jesus Fest included a Mass and a prayer vigil on April 30 last, and a great gospel concert on May 1st, the day of his beatification.
In church, the faithful have embraced the cross, holding lighted candles. "The darkness was lit by a sea of lights, the effect was very symbolic," said Fr Warner. During the homily, the priest spoke of Pope John Paul II as the apostle of Divine Mercy. At the end of the liturgy, the Movement proposed a series of videos, some depicting episodes of his pontificate: the election, the apostolic pilgrimages, many World Youth Days. All participants were "enraptured" by the pictures, some have tried to hide the tears of emotion at seeing such touching moments.
The next day - the day of the beatification - there was a big gospel choir, who had spent months preparing. The concert was attended by the youth of the Movement of Caramel, adults, children and religious. Every young person received a gift of a rosary and chaplet of Divine Mercy. Later, through big screens participants watched the beatification ceremony. "It was a great experience of grace and music, a fitting tribute to a great pope who believed, loved and challenged young people," said Fr Warner at the end of the celebration.
