SW News: True joy is missionary, says Pope Francis while addressing 1.5 million young believers gathered in Campo da Graca in Lisbon on the evening of August 5 to take part in the vigil. He made the young people repeat that joy is meant to be shared.

He cited the example of the Virgin hurrying to visit Her cousin Elizabeth. The pontiff said the Mother of God hurried because she loves and those who “love fly, run happily". The Holy Father exhorted young men and women to become “roots of joy” for others. He asked them to think of their parents, grandparents, priests, nuns, catechists, animators and teachers as the “roots of joy”.

Pope Francis reminded them that joy is not to be found in the library and it is not under lock and key. “We have to look for it, discover it in our dialogue with others,” he said. He added by saying that when one gets tired there will not be any enthusiasm to do anything.

The Holy Father told young people not to judge others, adding that “the only time when it is lawful to look at a person from top to bottom is to help him get back on his feet”. He said that there is no course in life that teaches one how to walk and move on.

Citing the example of soccer, Pope Francis said behind a goal goes a lot of training. He told the youth to seek their vocation and never give up. Get up and go forward sans fear, he said.

After the homily, the Eucharistic Adoration began. As the Blessed Sacrament was brought to the altar, the choir intoned the “Ave Verum Corpus” (Hail True Body) in Latin. It was followed by the Portuguese hymn “Meus Deus eu Crei” (My God I believe).

Then followed silent adoration which left many in tears. Then there was a reflection prepared by a Portuguese parish.

After the reflection was a traditional Fado song “Estrela” by noted Fadista Carminha. “You are the star that guides my heart
You are the star that lit up my floor
You are the sign that I lead destiny
You are the star and I am the pilgrim,” she sang with gusto.

It was followed by the Benediction during which the strains of “Anima Christi” (Soul of Christ) filled the air. Cardinal Manuel Clemente blessed the entire crowd and the Holy Father and other prelates with the Blessed Sacrament. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Divine Praises were recited. The ceremony came to an end with the rendition of “Magnificat” by John Rutter which is based on the Canticle of Our Lady.

Earlier in the evening, the ceremony began with the sharing of two testimonies. The first was Father António Ribeiro de Matos, who narrated how a car accident deepened his encounter with God and sowed the seeds of his priestly vocation.
The second testimony was shared by Marta Luis of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique. The 18-year-old narrated her family’s ordeal trying to escape from terrorist attacks enduring hunger and thirst. Prayer kept them company and the ordeal only strengthened their faith.

Then followed the rendition of the song "Et Misericordia" with the accompaniment of an artistic performance by soprano Cecilia Rodrigues. As an act of solidarity, everyone was invited to place their arm on someone's shoulder. Drones lit up the sky with the words “Follow me”. Then the choir sang the Portuguese song “Na Caminho en contrei te”.