How WYD 2011 changed my life

by Letters Editor · September 8, 2011

From Katlego Ramoshaba, Pretoria

Having attended World Youth Day in Madrid in August, I just have to say that I will never be the same again.

I remember the months of preparation when our coordinator, who attended the previous WYD in Sydney in 2008, tried to get us to understand the meaning and significance of our pilgrimage. But having attended WYD myself, I can now see that no matter how much he tried, the only way of understanding the event�s true significance is to go through it.

I am grateful and honoured to have taken part in such an awesome event. I believe that in this one week, the Lord was with us in such a tangible way that one couldn’t help but become overwhelmed by emotion.

Seeing so many young people gathered in one place for a common cause was amazing; we were able to see God among ourselves.

The theme for WYD �11 was �Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith�. I believe that is what I personally acquired from this event. I feel now as though I can do anything I set my mind to, and most importantly, I now wholeheartedly believe and know that no matter what I go through, good or bad, I am never by myself.