Ready, Set, Fly: Pilgrims anticipate a transformative trip to World Youth Day 2023

Daniel Tang confesses, “I have never left the continent before, nor have I ever camped outside; I have not flown across the ocean, and I am usually uncomfortable in large crowds.”  Yet in this monumental leap, Tang is prepared to step beyond his comfort zone. He is one of the 40 pilgrims from St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) leaving  for Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day (WYD) 2023, accompanied by Fr. Cristino Bouvette and Fr. Santiago Torres. 

He further shares, “This theme that Mary arose and went with haste (Luke 1:39) reminds me to trust in God's providence on every step of the way - to have no fear of the unknown, and to have peace and know that He will provide.”

The SFXC pilgrims are eagerly looking forward to representing the Diocese in the World Youth Day, together with 8 young adults from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Calgary, and representatives from numerous lay associations throughout the Diocese. Inspired by Pope Francis, the young adults are thrilled to partake in this global Catholic youth event with the support of their families fuelling their enthusiasm. 
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"It was very influential in both of my parents' lives when they were younger," shares Francis Van Uden.

​For Jessica Brummelhuis, her family's excitement about the possibility of attending a World Youth Day together was contagious. "Their faces would all light up when talking about WYD. I didn't understand then; I didn't know what it was or why it excited them so much. But their excitement sparked my interest, and now I'm the one attending out of all of us. They couldn't be happier for me," she shares.

​Fr. Cristino Bouvette is particularly thrilled about the opportunity to connect and journey alongside the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, led by his close friend who also serves as his counterpart. Fr. Cris' experience with World Youth Day is extensive, as he shares, “This will be my fourth World Youth Day, spanning back to WYD 2002 in Toronto (though for that I only attended days in the diocese) but I got to experience Pope St. John Paul II's last WYD, Pope Benedict XVI's first WYD in his homeland of Cologne, Germany, and with Pope Francis in 2016, Krakow, during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy." 

“After closely organizing the Holy Father's visit to Canada last year, being part of a papal event this year will offer a new perspective, especially knowing the inner workings and hopefully even meeting and introducing our group to the Pope's collaborators who will be attending WYD with him in Lisbon.”

​Asked about what excites them in Portugal, the pilgrims express their eagerness to experience new culture, connecting with fellow young Catholics globally, and enjoying the excitement of being in a new location.

Kathleen Brul, Elvin Limpin, and Andrew Min look forward to pray together with young Catholics worldwide. Kathleen shares, “I am thrilled about the prospect of joining the overnight vigil and eucharistic adoration with everyone.”

Andrew, too, is eager to unite in prayer and worship with other young adults.  He says, “Being a young Catholic in today's world can be challenging. Sharing this pilgrimage with other young adults passionate about their faith is a wonderful way to rejuvenate one's own convictions."

WYD delegation from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Calgary. Photo courtesy of OLPH Parish, Calgary.

The SFXC pilgrims getting ready to fly to Portugal from YYC airport.

Follow the SFXC pilgrims on their Instagram feed and stories - instagram.com/sfxchaplaincy

A special visit to Our Lady of Fatima

While many are keen to explore Portuguese culture, encompassing its food, architecture, music, and history, a significant part of the excitement surrounds visiting the Fatima apparition site and understanding the miracles of Our Lady of Fatima during World Youth Day 2023. 

Group leader Catarina Avila, a native Portuguese, is especially excited to share her culture with fellow pilgrims. “As a Portuguese citizen who grew up in a faithful Portuguese family and vibrant Portuguese culture, I am thrilled that I am able to share my culture with my fellow pilgrims going to World Youth Day!” she exclaims. She adds, “Above all, I am honoured to be able to have the opportunity to delve more deeply into the message of Fatima with the pilgrims.” Her anticipation for visiting the Fatima site resonates with many, including Kathleen Brul who says, “I've never visited a Marian apparition site before, and Our Lady of Fatima holds such a vital place in Portuguese history.”

Kathleen also reveals that a pivotal moment occurred during a Mass at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton last year, when she was navigating a difficult period in her life. This experience ignited her journey of faith. ​“Pope Francis' papal visit set my heart on fire for Jesus … I finally felt free from all the things that had kept me away from true joy and fulfilment,” she says. “I decided to go to World Youth Day to celebrate the joy and peace God has blessed me with throughout this past year…”

SFXC held a WYD dinner fundraiser in June 2023. Photos courtesy of Daniel Tang.

Mary Arose and went with haste (Luke 1:39)

The theme for World Youth Day 2023, "Mary arose and went with haste," has sparked various interpretations among participants. Some view it as a motivational call to disseminate the Gospel promptly, while others perceive it as an encouragement to trust in God's divine plan.

This theme truly encompasses Mary's faith and obedience, inspiring participants to leave their comfort zones and welcome the unknown with joy. Cameron Bluekens reflects on this, saying, “Mary didn't delay in spreading the Gospel. It was the presence of God in her that moved her to share the Good News with zeal and generosity - I would like to be blessed with the same virtues.”

For pilgrim Jonathan Dobek, the theme for WYD 2023 speaks into a specific action. He says, “After WYD, with Mary’s help, I will get up and in haste go to seminary to discern and learn what God has in store for me.” Jonathan has been accepted by Bishop McGrattan to enter St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton as a seminarian for our Diocese, beginning the last week of August.

Our young adults have also shared a variety of hopes for their attendance at World Youth Day. Some express a desire to strengthen their faith, charity, and zeal, while others aim to better incorporate their faith into daily life. 

Elizabeth Spiess and Mark Oswald look forward to forging new friendships during the World Youth Day 2023 pilgrimage. "I also hope to deepen my connections with old friends," adds Mark. Simultaneously, Elizabeth envisions contributing to the growth of youth ministry in her parish. 

Andrew Min concluded his thoughts by sharing that he aims to inspire other young adults with his experiences from this spiritual journey. He hopes that his stories might encourage them to consider embarking on this pilgrimage themselves in the future. 

Despite their individual aspirations, there is a shared openness to the spiritual journey that this pilgrimage may offer. Daniel Tang wraps it up by saying, “I truly believe that witnessing the Living Universal Body of Christ would bear much fruit to be shared back in our respective Dioceses.”

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CCCB press release: More than 5,000 Canadian Youth are making their way to Lisbon, Portugal to be with Pope Francis, from 1 to 6 August 2023. The Holy Father will join more than one million young people for World Youth Day (WYD). The first international World Youth Day was held in 1986, and the event was hosted by Canada in 2002, with Pope Saint John Paul II making the pilgrimage to Toronto. Read more 

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