I Was Filled With The Holy Spirit

Out of four hundred thousand youth gathered at Sydney for the XXIII World Youth Day only eleven were selected to be with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. I was one of the most fortunate persons to be with him on the cruise on his arrival at Barangaroo. 17th July 2008 will remain as the most cherished, unforgettable day in all of my life. It was a very special moment for me when I boarded the cruise at Sydney harbour, I felt nervous at the same time I had a deep longing to meet the Holy Father. When my turn came I knelt down and kissed his ring as a mark of respect and acknowledgement supreme head of the Catholic Church. I felt privilege when he held my hand and made me stand; I was overwhelmed with the power of the Holy Spirit as he gazed at me with so much love and compassion.

All my fears and nervousness vanished the moment he touched me. I was certainly blessed as I experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in him. With glittering eyes and smile on his face, he said, “which country are you from"? I replied, “I am from India”. After hearing India he proudly replied, "many priest and nuns are there from India”. I requested him to pray for my country and especially for the youth. With this my allotted 10 seconds were over. After some time he went inside the deck as it was very cold out side.

Then again he came out and he spoke to a girl from Guatemala, after finishing his talk, he looked at me, I could see in his eyes the eagerness to know more about his people in India, and His Holiness asked me to come close to him. Once again he held my hands and asked me," which part of India are you from?” I replied, “I am from Madhy Pradesh and presently I am full time volunteer at the National Office of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (I.C.Y.M.), New Delhi. Then he asked ‘who else is with you from India?’ I said, “I am accompanied by my chairman Arch. Bp. Leo Cornelio, my National Director Fr. Alwyn D'Souza and my National Lady Animator Sr. Maria Sangma and nearly a thousand youth from India”. Then he asked about the youth in India. I was pleased to tell him that youth in India are dynamic, energetic and are involved in various social activities and youth related work across the country. I asked his special prayers and blessings on the youth and youth activities.

On behalf of I.C.Y.M. I invited him to visit India and he said," It is quit difficult but I will try." Then I asked him to bless my rosary given by my mother which she had brought from Valenkani. Talking to Holy Father and being blessed by him is the most precious gift that I have ever received in my life. This wonderful experience I will ever cherish in my lives journey as it has deepened my faith and strengthened my belief in Jesus Christ. I will spread the message of Christ through my dedication to the youth work as I am the National General Secretary of ICYM I have committed my two years for the youth of India.

Ms. Sapna Ruveena Robert,
ICYM National Gen. Secretary