“You too, dear young people, can be joyful witnesses of His love, courageous witnesses of His Gospel, carrying to this world a ray of His light.”
Pope Francis
Each year I am in awe of how much God can do in just a few days,if we say yes to Him.
Once again the Youth Mission converged on NYC during Holy Week. 42 kids and 11 chaperones spent from Wed evening until Saturday night together sharing their desire to bring Jesus to the souls of NYC.
If I were to use two words to describe these amazing kids, I would say they were ON FIRE.
Their courage, enthusiasm, strength and joy was so beautiful to witness. They live Holy Week in such an incredible way that most describe it as life changing. They come on the mission ready to work (and they work hard), preparing the way to bring souls to Jesus.
Through the cross walk, asking everyone they see for prayer intentions, to the Live Stations of the Cross, which they put together in less 48 hours, allowing the city to witness the Via Crucis, to the street evangelizations, drawing souls to Christ. Just when they may have felt like they were running on empty after a full day, they head out to feed, clothe and minister to the homeless on Good Friday from 10pm til 2am. Only to begin again Saturday morning, becoming “Angels for a Day” to about 50 kids in Harlem. They bring joy to kids through an Easter egg hunt, decorating Easter cookies and, of course, our annual Dodgeball game. The day continues with more evangelizing. The culmination of our Mission is the celebration of the Easter Vigil together as a missionary family.
I have witnessed 42 young Catholic youths setting NYC ON Fire with their love for Jesus and wanting everyone to know that Jesus loves them too. Their joy has changed a city and it has changed me.
A Missionary Chaperone
