Catholics find grace in Copacabana confessions

[rug]

A priest hears a young pilgrim's confession at World Youth Day in Rio. Credit: Walter Sanchez Silva / CNA.

By Walter Sanchez Silva

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 28, 2013 / 04:52 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Young people from around the world stood in long lines on Rio’s Copacabana Beach to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during World Youth Day.

“It’s a beautiful experience to be reconciled to God during this World Youth Day,” a young pilgrim, who wished to remain unnamed, told CNA moments after confession July 27.

Many priests helped to provide confession for the three million pilgrims present at the World Youth Day vigil on the beach so that the young people could receive the Eucharist worthily.

The young pilgrim added that “it is even greater to be able to have the indulgence that the Pope has given us.”

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholics-find-grace-in-copacabana-confessions/

[IrishAyes]

1. As an old fogey myself,

There are times when 'the youth of today' make me want to shut my eyes and guard my eardrums.

Most of the time, though, I'm rather partial to them. Not only worldwide, but even locally, here in this little blood-red RW enclave where I retired. I could tell you horror stories about the adults, but except for one or two occasions, the kids have never been anything but sweet and precious to me. Even the couple who weren't were just being garden variety snots, nothing really having to do with me.

Sometimes I really wish I could visit a big college town again. Even in my later years, for some reason a lot of kids would high-five me on the street, total strangers that we were. I've always suspected they realize on some level that I like them.

Well, I do.

[No Vested Interest]

2. Maybe the kids appreciated your teeshirt-of-the-day! nt

[IrishAyes]

3. Well, I could more readily understand that

when my clothing was emblazoned with progressive symbols or plain messages. But sometimes I'd be so plainly dressed that it kind of amazed me when it still happened. Probably had something to do with the fact that I'm a 5' tall female, but I'd see lots of other little old ladies get completely ignored. Of course it might've been partly because they were clutching their purses fearfully, while I looked around me in delight and wonder. I couldn't be inscrutable if my life depended on it. Which I blame on being Irish, of course.

[No Vested Interest]

4. Nothing beats Irish Ayes that are smiling!

Any time, any place!