In July and August 2023, Ambassadors of a Worldwide Brotherhood (WWB) from several countries came together for an international meeting. Together they participated in the World Youth Days in Lisbon, Portugal. A testimony of Bernice Muna, Ambassador WWB from Kenya:
For the longest time ever, I wanted to attend the World Youth Days, and certainly this year luck was on me, because I got the opportunity to go to WYD2023 in Lisbon as an Ambassador of a Worldwide Brotherhood! Lots of things took place, I could write an entire book if I documented everything, but for the benefit of time I’ll highlight my feelings and heartwarming experiences.
It was really great taking an eight hour flight to the Netherlands, where we spent a few days with other ambassadors sharing the word of God, reflections on our personal lives, and presentations of our countries. Later we traveled to Portugal, where we camped with other pilgrims who share the charisma of our great St. Vincent De Paul as we prepared for the great event, the final weekend of the big day which was the peak of it all.
As we marched into Lisbon it was packed full. I was moved by seeing people from all over the world with the same purpose, to see the pope, to pray and sing together. It was a moment of realization of faith and hope. After an epic way of the cross and vigil, people still flocked in the square as we waited for the Mass to start. Hundreds of flags were moving, screens were set, speakers were ready and as the pope made his entry I was able to see him, so close and near to me. I felt renewed and really privileged, I could not hold my tears; it was magical and heavenly. In his sermon he challenged us on what we are going to take back home in three verbs: to listen, to shine and to be unafraid. Jesus is the ultimate answer to everything, He is there in the Gospel to answer all our needs, He’s the lamp that never goes off and through Him we get courage and strength to push on this journey called life. Pope Francis also said that God loves us with our faults, miseries and weaknesses. The church belongs to everyone, there is more than enough space for everyone.
We later stayed for a week visiting other landmarks in our religious faith. The people we were in contact with did not ask for anything, instead they gave us everything. It was beautiful to see different races blending in and seeking themselves in Christ. I want to pass my gratitude to the CMM Brothers, my family and all the stakeholders throughout the journey for granting me an opportunity to meet Christ. The memories will live rent free in the deepest parts of my body.
Bernice Muna, Ambassador WWB from Kenya
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