Final letter from World Meeting of Families - 4

Pilgrims from Mexico entertaining us in Balally Parish Centre

Now World Meeting of Families 2018 has drawn to a close, here are some final thoughts, not all mine.

"You're very welcome" - a greeting we heard often in Dublin and by their actions the locals did indeed make us very welcome in so many ways.

The Little Sisters of Jesus came to assist at a stall to share Bl Charles de Foucauld's spirituality, they had some very serious enquiries and were very impressed that some people apparently came back the next day to continue their enquiries.

Whilst there was definitely a strong Laudato Si theme at the Congress, unfortunately this wasn't carried through with the RDS catering re disposal cups etc. I did point that out to a Scottish Bishop I met in a refreshment queue.

The other must do better item was that all the couples giving testimonies seemed like perfect Catholic Couples, whilst many talks referred to every family being different and not perfect, where was the one parent family, the mixed marriage etc?

By meeting in Ireland, the WMOF gave the local church - the laity a unique opportunity to be involved in do many ways. We were grateful to many who gave up their time freely as volunteers to assist us and ensure the smooth running of the event. I was impressed by the helpfulness of the officials at Croke Park for the Festival of Families directing us to the lift and volunteers who without being asked came forward to assist Josie down the stadium stairs and at Phoenix Park on the uneven surface. The latter being genuinely pleased that we had been given tickets for the seated area the night before.

At the previous WMOF in Philadelphia the Holy Father suggested that we should remember to use the words "Please, Thank you and I'm sorry". He reminded us again on Saturday evening and during the Congress we were also reminded of these important words as they had been put to song.

The Penitential Rite of the Papal Eucharist was very poignant. Pope Francis altered it at the last minute as he had been so moved talking to victims of abuse the previous day. He reflected on the sins of abuse and cover up by some of those in power in the Church.

A lady, who has to receive a celiac host was so very delighted when she approached a priest in Phoenix Park , that he was able to produce a Pyx from his pocket and give her Communion.

As thousands of us made our way back to our coaches on the Orange Route a Little Sister reflected that it was walking with the pilgrim people of God. A high point for her.

Through our involvement with the Lay Fraternity of Bl Charles de Foucauld, a family we had never met previously provided us with such wonderful hospitality and with the assistance of their Fraternity and friends also provided hospitality for the Little Sisters. This meant we had a wonderful temporary community with them and each other, which made such a difference for the whole week.

Also we will remember that together with fellow pilgrims from Mexico and Guatemala we were made so welcome in the Balally Parish and they included us in their organisation to ensure we got to the Papal Eucharist. At the end of Mass on my last morning there, an elderly gentleman was so interested in why I had come etc.

I was reminded again about the Universality of the Catholic Church as at the Eucharist yesterday evening in Galway Cathedral we were joined by a group of Catholics from China.