412,000 pilgrims registered for #madrid11 #wyd

As of today, over 412,000 pilgrims have registered for the world youth day. It appears the numbers registering is accelerating closer to the date, as people are now surer of their calendar and hence able to commit to this great event.

It is still a far cry from the 1 million expected pilgrims, but then again it is usual for unregistered pilgrims to turn up. There will also be other groups of tourist and locals who will participate in the wyd as well as the army of volunteers locally and from abroad who will be there.

With the grace of God, the organizers of the wyd will hitbtheir expected target. They are already expecting 20,000 priest to attend this event. This brings to mind todays Gospel reading, where Jesus saw the large crowd and took pity on them for He said the harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out the labourers for his harvest.

Let this wyd be testimony that the harvest is indeed plenty, not only through those present at Madrid in person but also those present spiritually. In this testimony of faith, may the Lord of the harvest increase his laborers many folds through the calling of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Lord of the Harvest,

The harvest is abundantly plentiful, but your labourers are indeed few. Grant Lord that you may touch the hearts of your people, to open the ears of their heart to hear your gentle calling to be your true servant

Dear Lord, in todays mordernized and secular environment, the need for sincere shepherds of your flock is even more pressing. The sheep of your flock today faces many difficult challenges in our own spiritual pastures.

I also pray for those whom you have called to be priest and religious, as well as those in the seminary, that you strengthen their love and resolve in serving you. Guide them through their own journey and sturggles, so that they may continue to serve you with a faithful and sincere heart through the care of your sheep.

Lord, for those whom you are calling, help them to discern your quiet whispers in your heart. Silent the fears they have, open the path for them and guide them in their discernment.

Blessed mother, watch over those who serve your Son. These limited edition shepherds are invaluable to us. Guide them to always be faithful to your beloved Son, protect them form all harm, and comfort them in times of distress, so that they may always serve for the greater glory of your son,

Amen

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