PILGRIMAGE Diocesan youth looking forward to papal Mass

The event, July 23-28, includes a vigil with the Pope on July 27 and a Papal Mass on July 28.

At St. John's and St. Joseph's parishes in Rensselaer, 19 young people, aged 15-20, are preparing to be part of the 500,000 people who are expected to attend WYD from many different countries.

Big days

"We wanted them to have a holistic experience of the Pope and the culture of Toronto," said Linda Remington, pastoral associate for faith formation at the parishes. "Father Forno was our backbone. It was really great to have his support."

The teens started fundraising for the trip last September in order to offset the costs. The group bought discounted bus trips to New York City to see Broadway shows like "The Lion King" and "The Phantom of the Opera." Then they raffled off the tickets in the parish and surrounding community.

On June 7, the teens held a carwash. So great was the community's dedication that some of the parents of youths who could not attend came to work in their place. To make up the remainder of what the group needed, local parishioners and businesses gave generous, unsolicited donations, said Ms. Remington.

Looking forward

"I've never seen so many people in one place doing the same thing," she said. She said she feels "privileged" to be able to attend a second time.

Steven Poole, another pilgrim, is looking forward to meeting young Catholics from around the world, saying, "It's going to be an experience I won't forget."

Delmar pilgrims

The number of people from St. Thomas who wanted to attend was so sizable that Mr. Cattalano finally had to put a limit on how many spots were available.

Nicole Comi, who went to the National Catholic Youth Conference last year, said it was incredible to meet so many new people and looks forward to making international friendships in Toronto. She believes that her experience will make this summer meaningful as she prepares to begin college in the fall.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the pope," she said. "I know it'll make a big impact. This will make my summer very special."

Preparation

In July, each youth will receive a pilgrim's journal to be used in the week before the trip, as well as during the pilgrimage itself. The teens can put in reflections on daily Scripture readings or record their emotions as they experience their spiritual journey.

Kelly Longacker flinches at the thought of an eight-mile walk to the site of the papal Mass, but she is excited about the prospect of meeting many people from around the world.

"It's really empowering to know that we're all there together," she said. In the meantime, Kelly hopes to have a picnic with some of her fellow pilgrims so they can share prayer and thoughts about the trip ahead.

What lies ahead

But one of the best parts of the weekend, he said, is seeing the teens become united with other youth from across the world.

"They don't have to hide their faith. They can really be themselves and be loved for who they are," Mr. Cattalano said.

(06-27-02) [[In-content Ad]]