The opening Mass would start at 7.30 pm. By 4 pm all the Bishops were on their way. It is never easy to prepare for so many bishops but everything had been planned. There was enough transport and enough albs, chasubles and mitres for everyone (and every size!).
We then joined the youth outside at 6.30. It had been raining. Once again it was impressive to see all these young people, a huge crowd from every continent.
After welcoming the cross and the image of our Lady, Mass started. The rain came back. Some of us managed to wear a jacket over the alb and under the chasuble to cope with the rain.
In his homily the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Orani João Tempesta, welcomed the youth of the world saying that this beautiful city is now more beautiful because of their presence. After reminding us Pope Francis' first words in Brazil: "Young people are the window through which the future enters the world", he presented these days as a time to be with Jesus and grow as disciples so that we could all be sent to the whole world.
