A transformation
By Steven Polley
Director, Offices of Youth Ministry and Religious Education
It was the early 90’s and I was still teaching and coaching in Pratt. Of course at this time the conversation of the parish was centered on something called, "World Youth Day" that was going to take place in Denver. Well, I did not pay much attention to this, as I knew that WYD was going to take place in August, and of course this would be the start of a new football season, so there was no way that I could go. Well this wonderful excuse has turned out to be something that I have regretted not participating in. But at this time in my life, I was still to blind to see God calling me in this direction.
Since I have begun my ministry in the diocese I have heard countless stories of the experiences people had on this pilgrimage to Denver to celebrate our faith with the Holy Father and tens of thousands of people from all over the world. During my almost 11 years of ministry in the diocese, many of these stories have made me wish that I would have been part of this amazing gathering.
For you see, this pilgrimage to Denver and Pope John Paul II’s message began a transformation, a change of heart in not only the people who gathered in Denver, but in youth ministry throughout the world. Many times in my writing I have spoke about NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference). Prior to WYD in Denver the number of young people attending these conferences ranged from 6,000 to 8,000 young people. After Denver we have seen the number of young people attending NCYC go from 12,000 – 25,000. All because of one man’s continued message to our young people, "You are the Light of the World".
Countless times he would address the youth by beginning, "Dear Young People". His words drew the young people in. His words led everyone to a deeper relationship with our risen Lord. The gentle Pontiff continually encouraged and inspired the youth to live faith-filled lives, and through is gentle voice and love, the youth of the world responded enormously to his words. They were, we all were, transformed; we had a change of heart, because of the words and example of this most holy, humble man.
Because of Pope John Paul II, youth ministry in our world continues to grow stronger daily. In his message to the youth for the 12th World Youth Day, the Holy Father said this, "Youth of the world, it is along the paths of daily life that you can meet the Lord!"
Pope John Paul II inspired the people of the world with his words, compassion, witness and love. Can we in some small way do the same thing? Our young people walk the paths of daily life, how can we take the words of the Holy Father, and help our young people better meet the Lord?