The Journey to WYD 2011 in Madrid!
I've gone to World Youth Day since 2002 in Toronto. I must say every time my life has been changed. Not always in profound, obvious ways like a sudden conversion like St. Paul, but in the every day moments. Looking back I can see who I am days, weeks, years after and who I was before each pilgrimage is quite drastic. Sometimes it is the relationships built from them that strike me the most. The lifelong friends, memories shared, and growth in one's vocation and relationship with God.
Toronto in 2002 taught me to be proud of my faith, Cologne in 2005 made me love the rosary and silence, and just recently Sydney in 2008 exicted me about my vocation to married life. I thought maybe my run had ended, but was surprised and excited to learn of the opportunity to help lead a Diocesan Group from Saskatoon to Madrid in 2011. I'm really excited to uncover the wisdom the Lord wishes to give to all 32 pilgrims from across the Diocese of Saskatoon coming on this trip.
Now for most of the group, this might be their first time to Europe! So we've extended our pilgrimage (not a vacation!) to enhance the once in a lifetime experience that is WYD. We're beginning our pilgrimage in Rome for two days, visiting many holy places such as the tomb of Pope John Paul II whose vision brought about World Youth Day. Next we will visit Assisi and reflect on the lives of St. Francis and St. Claire before continuing our journey in Santiago de Compostela. It is there that we will be for Days in the Diocese and share our lives with the local faithful hosting us. There we will be at the end of the famous "Camino" pilgrim route and visit the Basilica of St. James. Finally a week in Madrid, with visits to Toledo, Segovia and Avila. It is in Madrid that we will have an encounter with Pope Benedict and millions of other young people excited about their faith. Please pray and support our pilgrims as they journey in their faith now and on our trip. We go as pilgrims on behalf of the entire Diocese. So much more important that your financial support they may ask for, we ask for your prayers that the trip may be blessed. Moreover, feel free to email/write us with prayer requests you wish for us to carry in our hearts during this Journey.
The most important thing about a pilgrimage to me is; it starts now. It starts the moment you discern going. The church has created a great tool to help us prepare and remember our experiences of World Youth Day called iActive8 on www.xt3.com Here you can follow along news leading up to Madrid 2011 and read articles, watch videos, listen to podcasts of all sorts of things related to WYD and your faith! It is a great resource for people who've gone in the past, people wanting to stay connected to family/friends gone on pilgrimage, and for people looking for info about going! So If you're looking to organize a trip for yourself or a group to go to WYD this is the place to check out! If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at youthmin@saskatoonrcdiocese.com
Keep it Real. God bless and Peace!
-Colm
1 response to “Journeying to World Youth Day in Madrid”
Comments now closed
Mar 16, 2010 at 8:03 AM Hi Colm,
Your bio and experiences of WYD were very interesting. I am wondering if it is too late for someone to join your group. My son may be interested in going to this next WYD. I guess the first thing to know would be whether he could still join up with you all.
Thanks,
Florence