World Youth Day 2023 pilgrims reconnect and reflect

Published by CN Admin2 at October 6, 2023

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Embarking on a challenging pilgrimage can be a transformative experience, particularly for young people seeking meaning and adventure in their lives.

On Saturday, September 9, The Catholic News reporter at World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal, Renee Smith, also reconnected and reflected with some of her fellow pilgrims in the company of Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon. On the Sunday, September 10, the pilgrims also journeyed to the parish of St Paul’s, Manzanilla to spend time with their pilgrim chaplain and parish priest, Fr Kenwyn Sylvester.

2023 WYD pilgrims gather at St Paul’s Manzanilla to reconnect with their chaplain Fr Kenwyn Sylvester. They also celebrated Mass together.

At Archbishop’s House, 30 of the 35 pilgrims shared their reflections, lessons learned, and personal growth at the Archbishop’s House. Here are some of their inspiring stories.

Sr Anne Marie’s lesson on trusting God

Sr Anne Marie, a Corpus Christi Carmelite nun said the journey to get to WYD was all by God’s grace. She shared she remains in awe of the funding provided by several friends and loved ones who made her trip possible. “I thought I wasn’t going to make it [due to lack of funds] and I also thought my time had passed as I am no longer a youth, but I knew God wanted me on this journey to Portugal.”

Shanice’s connection with community

Shanice Harrigin described her Portuguese host family from Louredo, Portugal as extremely caring and generous. The WYD pilgrims stayed with host families during the first week of the trip. She shared, “One of the things I struggle with is showing emotion. On the day we were leaving, I gave my family a card. I looked over to the father of the household and he was always so serious, and he was crying. I just lost it, I couldn’t stop crying.”

Mekel’s ‘Yes’ to God

Mekel Mason was one of the last pilgrims to register as he had other plans for his July/August vacation. “Fr Hasley King prayed about it and said he feels like God is asking me to go on the trip. I didn’t even know what World Youth Day was, but you really can’t say ‘no’ to where God is calling you even though I really wanted to say ‘no’.”

Haleigh’s moment of grace

Haleigh Jardine recalls how spending time in reflection and prayer allowed her to be grateful for the little things. She reflected, “The church we frequented as a group was totally white and had beautiful stained glass. The ambo and the crucifix in the Church was made of wood. For a while I stood there and all I could think of was my grandfather who passed. It moved me because I never watched so much until that day.”

Josiah rediscovers God through music

Josiah Barclay recalls the long walks the pilgrims made as they journeyed through the city of Lisbon. Emotions were often high and the heat most days was unbearable. He shared, “On our journey to Parque Eduardo, I remember a lot of us were moody but Shanice began to sing Veni Sancte Spiritus. I eventually joined with her and the rest of the journey became calm and light. I think I would be speaking for everyone when I say music, praise, and worship brought us through this trip.”

Archbishop Gordon seemed to enjoy the interesting and animated sharing of the group. He encouraged them to spend time in silence with God every day by using the Examen. St Ignatius Loyola’s Examen is an opportunity for a peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites us to find the movement of God in all the people and events of our day.