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The theme of this year's World Youth Day was from Paul's Letter to the Colossians, "Planted and built in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith." The 26 pilgrims who represented the Diocese of Green Bay at World Youth Day carried this theme with them as they returned home late Tuesday night after 10 days in Madrid, Spain. Although they were weary, spirits were high and faith affirmed from the vivid memories they took home.
The group participated in the official WYD events, as well as hearing speakers such as Fr. Robert Barron, Jason and Crystalina Evert, Vicki Thorn and Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, England. They also enjoyed day trips to Avila and Toledo, two other Spanish cities rich in history and the Catholic faith.
Eric DeMeuse, 20, of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Hillsdale College, was among the majority who were affected most by the final two days of the celebration consisting of an overnight vigil and morning Mass at Cuatro Vientros. Neither the afternoon heat nor an evening storm deterred anyone from the camaraderie and enthusiasm built up through the days leading to that event.
"Saturday night adoration was so beautiful," DeMeuse noted. "To be there with 1.5 million people and the Holy Father, all silent before the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, is something I will never forget."
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St. John Vianney Parish in Janesville will be presenting Catholicism, a groundbreaking documentary series and study program with Fr. Robert Barron that is being released by Word On Fire in the fall.
The 10-week series begins on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m., and takes viewers around the world in 15 countries. This is a series for those who want to build a better understanding of the impact and meaning the Catholic faith continues to have throughout the world.
Catholicism illustrates the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic faith in an epic media experience. Through his journeys, Father Barron will explain what Catholics believe and why -- using art, architecture, literature, music, and all the riches of the Catholic tradition to tell a visually arresting and inspiring story. It may be one of the most ambitious productions ever to promote the Catholic faith to the world.
"In looking at the modern challenges and opportunities facing the Church, I felt an urgency to come up with a creative and constructive response to remind people of the richness and good news that Catholic tradition brings people," said Father Barron.
"What I didn't realize at first is how far our travels would take us. We'll log more miles than St. Paul on his apostolic mission, I hope without the shipwreck."
Father Barron is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is considered to be one of the leading Catholic evangelists of our time. To listen to more of Father Barron check out www.wordonfire.org
For more information, call the parish office at 608-752-8708, or to register visit www.sjv.org
MadCatHerald