Hosting and international event with over 1million attendees is no small feat. I take my hats off to the people of Spain, and their many volunteers who are working tirelessly to receive the pilgrims that are expected to descend upon Madrid.
Granted that 1 million is small in comparisson to the annual Haj that takes place in Mecca, but the Saudis have had many years of experience and deep pockets to manage the even larger number of pilgrims. However the annual Haj , well happens every year, and the organizers have had plenty of experience and are able to invest in infrastructre to cater to the large volume of people
In comparison, the Archdiocese of Madrid has had very little experience in organizing such a major event, the city may not be design to handle 1 million visitors in one go. And the Wyd organizers are largely volunteers,both locally and internationally. No funding is given by the government of Madrid and the event is largely self funded through registration fees and sponsors.
Putting all these combinations together, a pessimist would say that it is a recipe for disaster, waiting to happen. However i honestly truly believe that the organizers despite the challenges they face, are driven by a deep burning passion that comes from serving Jesus. In their tired nights, and hair pulling moments, God grants us the grace to carry on. I know for i've been in that situation where I am just driven and fueled by an unknown force. Under normal circumstances, i would collapse from exhaustion, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, I do not even feel tired.
Today I offer my prayers for all the organizers and volunteers preparing to greet all of us pilgrims at Madrid. May they be blessed for their loving sacrifice in doing His bidding, for His People for His Glory.
In the final month, preparations will run at a feverish pace. Nearing to the date of such a spiritual event, satan too will make his presence known to try and derail this. So i also pray for His holy protection over all those involved. May the divine armies of heaven stand guard over the organizers, volunteers and pilgrims as we all prepare for the this testimony of our faith.
Read more about the people making the World Youth Day possible on the official website of Madrid11. You owe them that much!
Dear Lord and Master.
It was your holy choosing that the people of Spain would host such an epic event of your choice,and i offer up my thanks to You, that they have accepted this daunting task to host all of us.
As the time gets closers to the date, Lord continue to guide them in their works. Grant them the patience, wisdom and perserverence needed to accomplish this task you have given to them. Stenghten them when they tire, heal them when they fall, and grant them peaceful rest when the sleep.
Lord , we also ask for your protection, from the many distractions and dangers that satan will throw at us. It will be his bidding to stop us, as we bring ourselves closer to You, and only You can protect us, to be our shield. Send forth your heavenly armies to proect us, especially the organizers and voluteers. St Michael watch over us.
Holy mother of God, watch over us and protect us, as we bear testimony to our faith and love for your Son.
Amen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
No comments:
Post a Comment