D oskonale remember this meeting. That was the last pilgrimage of John Paul to Spain. On Saturday, 3 May 2003, a few miles from the center of Madrid, Cuatro Vientos aerodrome old (Four Winds), had held a meeting with young people. I arrived there with a group of friends. I was 17 years old. I went to high school, where every day I experienced, that being a Catholic is going against the current. Probably the same everywhere, but I think that recently in Spain, especially among the young, it is especially clear. Faith is unfashionable. Catholic, is seen as a weirdo or loser. To admit to belonging to the Church much it costs. That's what we experienced in Madrid, had a great impression on us. In a country where - it would seem - the Church is a group of elderly grandmothers gathered 700,000 young people, and we know that not all were there. Thanks ago that came to us, Holy Father, we were able to see and count. We realized that we are many. This in itself gave us courage.
John Paul II was an extremely weak and his hands shook, his lips involuntarily flowed saliva. It was evident that much pain. Shaky, indistinct voice he said to us: "Dear young people, if you hear the words of Christ, who calls you:" Follow me ", do not deafen them! Follow Him! I did and I give this testimony today! I was ordained a priest at the age of 26 years. It's been 56 years ...". Then the Pope looked up and asked: "So how old is the pope?". It was amazing. He began to talk to us. As soon as we got up and began loudly chanting: "You're young! You're young. " "Yes, a young 83-year old" - he replied. His words were ordinary, yet very strong. "Maybe you are afraid. You speak as Jeremiah: "Ah, Lord God, I can not say I am too young." I assure you that we lay down our lives Jesus, the sacrifice is worth it for the Gospel and for others ...". We screamed like crazy: "Vale la pena! Vale la pena! (Warto! worth it!). Then something caught fire in me. I had never thought about it, to become a priest. And suddenly ... the pope arrived ... Said ... Testified ... And the seed was sown.
R ok then I made the decision and entered the seminary. Friends were surprised that parents - surprise. Mama said, "It's all a meeting with the Pope." I also know others who have discovered a vocation to the priesthood But then, in Madrid. With some I met in the seminar. To this day I carry within me a deep conviction that it was thanks to John Paul II not only discovered a vocation to the priesthood, but I dared to answer it.
Published Our Sunday Visitor, No. 10 / 2011 13-3-2011
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