SEEN ~ Pilgrims from Spain cheer July 20 after hearing Pope Benedict announce Madrid as the host city of World Youth Day 2011 (CNS/ Paul Haring)
HEARD ~ Pope’s homily at the WYD closing mass: In a few moments, we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.  The Holy Spirit will descend upon the confirmands; they will be “sealed” with the gift of the Spirit and sent forth to be Christ’s witnesses.  What does it mean to receive the “seal” of the Holy Spirit?  It means being indelibly marked, inalterably changed, a new creation.  For those who have received this gift, nothing can ever be the same!  Being “baptized” in the one Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 12:13) means being set on fire with the love of God.  Being “given to drink” of the Spirit means being refreshed by the beauty of the Lord’s plan for us and for the world, and becoming in turn a source of spiritual refreshment for others.  Being “sealed with the Spirit” means not being afraid to stand up for Christ, letting the truth of the Gospel permeate the way we see, think and act, as we work for the triumph of the civilization of love.