After a bathroom break, we went back to our spot just in time as the Pope prayed and the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. And there was silence. Absolute, total and beautiful silence. There were more than a million people in that place but there was hardly any noise. Everyone was on their knees, gazing up at the screen or the stage, looking at the Body of Christ in the form of the host, exposed for all of us to see and adore.

Who knew such silence can be so moving?

We had a bit of a harrowing metro ride because of the sheer number of people, but still, it was a very blessed day. There’s just something so beautiful at being able to attend mass with people from different races all over the world and know the songs, how it was celebrated. For the first time in my life, I understood and appreciated how it feels to be a part of the Catholic Church. I’m pretty sure all of us ended the day with full hearts and stomachs, and definitely more appreciation of our Catholic faith.

We looked like really tired kids eating by the side of the road, and I’m pretty sure everyone else wants to just fall asleep on the ground. But even so, my heart was just positively thrilled. If this was how World Youth Day will be for the rest of the week, then I am so excited and ready for the next days. :)