My last blog on World Youth Day has to be a word of recognition for a very special group of people: The Mighty Ducks.
You might also call us "Les Canards Puissants."
This was, of course, my small group for the hike and World Youth Day trip. We came across our name when Fr. Anthony was extolling the importance of small groups to us. "It's how we keep all the ducks together!" he said. Ducks. Like the Mighty Ducks. I put it into Google Translate and found that we could be "Les Canards Puissants" and I was sold on the name (fortunately the rest of the group accepted this decision!).
I can't say much here, of course, but as I close out this blog, I want to express the privilege it was to share life with these young people for over a month. Their sincerity, real grappling with the hard questions life presents to us all, and their gratitude and simplicity were all a witness to me of Christ's life in them. Seeing God move in each heart and seeing each of them respond so generously to Him was a daily joy.
As time passed, I would start to call out instances of "Canard Spirit.” It was funny, because we weren't a group of stereotypical leaders. The other small group with us was more outgoing, quicker to laugh, and more gregarious. But I saw my group always looking out for one another and for those outside, reflecting on the experiences they were having, serving others, and I was so proud to be "the Mightiest Duck" (or, alternately, "Mama Canard").
One example of Canard Spirit was when we were joined by two French youth for the hike portion of the trip. Their generous gift of themselves and the group's warm acceptance were both beautiful to see. And when we were at World Youth Day proper and no longer expected to be together, The Ducks opted to stay at the French language catechesis to support our fellow Duck who was part of the team giving the teaching (we did rope a friend in to translate - but it was still generous!).
In the end, the best part of this adventure was the experience of sharing it with others - being changed by them and enjoying the light of Christ in them. And I am terribly pleased that I was able to be a Mighty Duck. Please join me in praying for these beautiful young people - that they would have courage to do all that God is asking of them and that they would, finally, be the saints God made them to be.
- Sr. Agnes Therese Davis, T.O.R.
