World Youth Day can often mean a turning point in the lives of thousands of young people.
For example, Jessica attended her first WYD in Poland in 2016. She explained that, even though she was already a practicing Catholic, the experience strongly impacted her life.
JESSICA
Medical Student
I think the summary of my World Youth Day experience is that every single day I wept profusely. And every single day, in Mass, the readings would pierce right through to my heart.
A trip that was one of the greatest gifts of my life.
Capuchin friar Fr. John also had a life changing experience. At WYD in Cologne, Germany, he discovered his priestly vocation.
FR. JOHN
Capuchin Friar
Going to World Youth Day 2005 and altar serving for His Eminence, Cardinal Pell. It was in the Cathedral in Athens. He asked me in the sacristy, “John, have you ever thought about becoming a priest?” And that was the first time. That was the first time that I said yes publicly.
While both Jessica and Fr. John are looking forward to the next WYD, they say their first will always hold a special place in their hearts. For this group of Argentineans, WYD Lisbon will be their first time. And they have been preparing for it since January.
CANDELA GARCÍA
Pilgrim
The pilgrimage began in January. There were music festivals and other events as well. People gave us spots in the chapels so that we could sell ice cream. The week before we came to Rome we were selling pizza. There was a big effort from the church we attend. They donated money. So it was a huge team effort from the families, from the communities and from all of us working.
The group arrived in Europe a month ago, and have been on pilgrimage to different cities, including Barcelona, Assisi, Rome and Santiago de Compostela.
CANDELA GARCÍA
Pilgrim
The idea for the pilgrimage is that we don't go to hotels, hostels or to anything very luxurious. I have been sending emails to everyone. I was sending emails to a lot of parishes, a lot of places and telling them who we are, how many we are, and if they could host us.
So it was all God's providence making things this way and things have been going perfectly so far.
They all will be in Lisbon to meet with Pope Francis and millions of young people. Whether this will be the first or the third time, it is clear that every WYD leaves each person that attends with an unforgettable and lasting experience.
CA
TR: KG
