wassabibaby

A few years ago, I watched a live broadcast of World Youth Day on TV. I remember watching it for hours and could not tear myself away from the TV. In addition to Mass and prayer sessions, there were many musical performances. I still remember one particular performance that moved me. A guy was singing and the lyrics of the song were as follows: 

Lord, like incense
Let my prayer rise up rise up to You

To this day, I am still searching for the name of that song. But I guess the memory of that performance shall have to be sufficient for now.

I remember wishing I could be in attendance too, for I am sure the experience would be different if one were to attend in person.

This year, World Youth Day will be held in Australia. The last time it was held in the US was in 1993. Hopefully, one day, it will be held in the US again. If it is, I would love to attend in person.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with World Youth Day (WYD), the description is as follows:

World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from 15-20 July 2008.

Organised by the Catholic Church, World Youth Day gathers young people from around the world to build bridges of friendship and hope between continents, peoples and cultures.

In August 2005, Sydney was chosen to host the XXIII World Youth Day. The announcement was made by Pope Benedict XVI in Cologne at the conclusion of the XX World Youth Day in August 2005.

So began our incredible three year journey of planning, preparation and anticipation began for Sydney, Australia... and the youth of the world.

WYD08 will be the occasion of the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia and we very much look forward to welcoming him to the "Southern Land of the Holy Spirit".

Through the WYD08 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God. The young people will have an opportunity to rediscover their baptismal calling and the centrality of the sacraments of the Eucharist and reconciliation, and so discover a new apostolic zeal to witness more fully the Gospel in the modern world. All in the context of the beauty of Australia and the hospitality of the Australian people!

Interesting tidbit: At the last WYD, 1.2 million people were in attendance.

This year's WYD theme song is "Receive the Power." I fell in love with the song the first time I heard it and I've had it on replay ever since. :D Here is the youtube link to the song if you are interested. ^^

English version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwoEU2uVDfw
International version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHlncJ970T8

Receive the Power lyrics

Verse 1
Every nation, every tribe,
come together to worship You.
In Your presence we delight,
we will follow to the ends of the earth.

Chorus
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power to be a light unto the world!

Verse 2
As Your Spirit calls to rise
we will answer and do Your Will.
We’ll forever testify
of Your mercy and unfailing love.

Chorus
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power to be a light unto the world!

Bridge
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we worship You.
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we will sing forever.

Chorus
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power to be a light unto the world!