World Youth Day 2002
Memories from the pilgrims

My most memorable experience from WYD this year had to be meeting "Kevin Driscoll of the New York Mets."
-Dan Gentile
St Paul of the Cross

World Youth Day and the pilgrimage that went with it again showed us that we are part of something very big-that there is a church community outside of our own parish walls. The washing of the feet at the third catechetical session moved me tremendously. It reminded me that I am called to serve, and allowed me to reflect on Jesus' love and humility. My favorite moment came when I was fortunate to carry the World Youth Day cross, given to pilgrims years ago by Pope John Paul II. Just thinking of the millions of people who have prayed before this cross made me feel truly connected to the faith. -Kevin Driscoll
Diocese of Palm Beach

Seeing all of the candles lit at night.
-Allen Kramer
St. Paul of the Cross

When I saw millions of people of the different places and the same people sharing the common bond of a Catholic faith, it made me feel good. We practically sacrificed everything! Just to see the Pope all of us, including the millions that came, walked until our butts fell off. We got wet, pushed, insulted, and some of us got lost and all of that makes me wish I should have never come, but I think again and I say to myself it's worth it a lot. I'm blessed that I was able to go on this trip with these nice people and I am truly grateful.
-Frania Larios
St. Mary

The most memorable moment for me was when the Pope in his message to all the youth in the world, asked them not to wait until they got older and begin guiding their lives through the path of truth which is the path towards Jesus Christ. He asked them not to be scared to be called by the Lord. For me as a mother, it makes me realize the responsibility that I have to teach my children and the young people around me that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, which have to give flavor to the earth through their testimonies and by becoming a good example for others to follow. These words have given me the strength and power to help any young man/woman who might need it. Since teenagers are always searching for the truth and to be unique and if they are the salt and light of the world, they are going to be able to distinguish between false models, false ideals, and false influences because of the greatest influence that exist in our lives which is "JESUS".
-Ivania Larios
St. Mary

The day we had to fight some people to get on a street car, keeping people out of our space during the Pope's arrival, seeing the Pope up close, meeting people from all over the world, trading things, going to the masses, playing jokes on Kevin and Jim, and spending time getting closer to God and each other.
Renee Rochefort
St. Paul of the Cross

I will never forget the experience of spending 12 days with new and old friends, playing and praying together. The experience of seeing Pope John Paul II is not describable. Even I was speechless. Perhaps what made it extra special was that I was able to share this experience with my daughter Shannon.
-Marianne Doughney
St. Lucie

A memorable experience for me was when I went into Niagara Falls on the boat called Maid of the Mist VI. Another memorable moment was when our group split up and toured Montreal. We were late (which was a bad thing) but it was fun. One of the most memorable moments was when we toured the 1,000 islands in Brockville, Canada.
-Will Bartlett
St. Joseph

My most memorable event in the whole trip was seeing the Pope. Although we had many good laughs, the one thing I think I will always remember, probably forever is seeing him, and seeing the emotion he draws from people. People would do anything even just to see him. That's amazing that he can draw so many people who would battle the worst condition and travel just to see his face for a little while.
-Eden Sears
St. Paul of the Cross

Going on the maid of the mist was a very memorable experience. Getting so close to one of God's awesome wonders is just mind blowing. Seeing the Pope so close will be the most memorable experience for me. Before the trip, the Pope just seemed like a ghost, like he's there but I'll probably never see him. But seeing the most Holy person alive was amazing. When I saw him my whole body started tingling. It was so awesome.
-Ross Whitaker
St. Joseph

I'd have to say that the most memorable part of this trip was meeting everybody. Not necessarily the people from other countries, but those from the Diocese. I loved meeting other people from the local area and sharing this experience with them. Another moment was stopping-or trying to stop the other groups from entering our camp. In the future I would make camp further away from the barricades. I think it would be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. Overall the WYD experience as a whole was so memorable. I loved seeing people from around the world sharing the same faith and celebrating Jesus together. Seeing the Pope was so inspiring. His faith is so strong; seeing him helped me strengthen my faith also. One cool thing I found out was-the Pope is funny. Who knew?
-Brittany Sakowicz
St. Lucie

I knew WYD was going to be big. We had started to plan and fundraise for this sacred "pilgrimage" for about a year, but it wasn't until the World Youth Day festivities actually began that I really felt what this meeting was all about. Something about seeing over 150 different countries represented, and all the flags waving through the air struck me how universal and how "real" being a Catholic really is. Speaking different languages, practicing different cultures, traveling from all over the world we gathered for the same reason-ALL 800,000 of us! We hiked the 5 miles; we slept in sleeping bags, shivering doing what we could with boxes and garbage bags to stay dry (which of course was a complete failure). We were dirty, practically homeless, but it didn't matter-we saw the pope, the Holy Father himself and that's all we needed. His courage and faith in us, the youth of the world, was amazingly powerful and inspirational. I've left Toronto with a deeper, stronger understanding that I'm not on this journey alone. We're all in it together, all over the world. No matter how bad or impossible it seems God is there. Despite the media's pessimistic reviews, I think the pope said exactly what we all needed to hear. His bravery and courage despite his health conditions was in itself also inspiring. His love for us is evident and I wouldn't take back or regret any part of this trip, this "pilgrimage". That's exactly what it was; a pilgrimage.
-Margaret Truitt
St. Paul of the Cross

On the 12-day pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Toronto, many unforgettable and very powerful experiences took place. But the last day clearly sticks out in my mind! That morning we started with an early morning shower. Any hopes for more sleep after about 6:00 a.m. were literally drowned by the sudden downpour. When the rain stopped, drenched crowds, visibly disgruntled by a late night of screaming polskas, obnoxious performers, and random vocational videos shown at 1:00 a.m., trudged in masses to the bathroom, food sites, and medical tents. The one consolation for all was that the Pope would be here within hours to say the closing mass. Unfortunately the rain was not finished for the day. The Pope's arrival was comforting, yet almost tarnished by the incessant downfall of water. Thankfully the rain stopped early into the mass. To be honest, I remember very little of what was said during the mass, but so much of what I saw. I remember the woman's eyes who sat next to me; the light and joy brought to them while breathing in every word the Pope said; my memory is engraved with the way Pope John Paul II said the entire mass, determined to interact with his cherished youths as much as possible. But what I remember most took place during the Eucharistic Liturgy. While E.M's distributed communion, people swarmed them and the gates where they were. They packed in closely together, hands outstretched, reaching and begging for the "Body of Christ". Eventually the host had to be broken to be able to reach and feed more people, yet their hunger to be closer to God was satiated even with such small pieces. I was in such awe of the universal need of all Catholics-not just the Americans, or the French, or the Spanish, but all Catholics, for Jesus' body, over living proof of his sacrifice, and over redemption. That will be what I remember and treasure most from World Youth Day.
-Micah Hartman
St. Joseph

I can find no words that adequately describe the experience of seeing the Pope at World Youth Day. Although hundreds of thousands of young adults gathered in his presence, the encounters seemed, in a way, personal. The manner in which he spoke made his words directly inspire my heart and soul and his faith challenged me to further explore my own, as well.
-Courtney McKay
Holy Name of Jesus

The most memorable moment of this pilgrimage to me was the three times that I got to see the Pope up close. It was an unexplainable amazing and touching experience in my life. Seeing the Pope and cheering for him with all my heart gave me so much peace and will continue to in my faith to become a stronger believer and follower of the Lord. Also, seeing so many young people from all over the world and knowing that all those people believe and follow the same faith in the Lord made me feel very good.
-Vianey Hernandez
St. Mary

My most memorable moment was when I was in the front row, when Pope John Paul II made his entrance for the first time. This was an amazing feeling. It's really hard to describe the feeling I felt. You really had to be there to really know what I am talking about. I was also struck to see so many youth. It was touching to see so many youth from all walks of life. It was awesome to know that we all had one faith. We were all there for the same reason. I'm very thankful to God and to all that made this trip and this experience such a success.

Being in the front row to see the Pope. Meeting people from all over was a great experience for me. I have never been exposed to such diversity. It was especially fun mingling with a group from Nova Scotia who were Indians and I was able to learn about their culture as well as share mine.
-Ivette Baltazar
St. Mary

There were too many things that were really overpowering and that I'll never forget. For one, Niagara Falls. To actually go to the foot of this huge waterfall while this mist of it drenches you from head to toe was just amazing. The other thing was actually seeing the pope as he drove by in the "pope mobile". I will never forget crying with Micah and holding hands as the pope drove by.
-Angela Macri
St. Paul of the Cross

My most memorable experiences from our World Youth Day pilgrimage was seeing the vast throngs of young people from all over the world united with the common bond of our Catholic faith. The waving flags, the chants in all languages and the enthusiasm for the faith and proclaiming in our belief in Jesus Christ lifts the heart to truly see the universal scope of our church. Another memory is seeing the renewed energy that the crowds brought to the pope. His voice was strong and his spirits high. This truly is a pope who loves young people and empowers them to live the gospel, to the light of the world and the salt of the earth. All in all this pilgrimage has had a powerful impact upon me and hopefully, upon all the young people who were on the diocesan pilgrimage.
-Father Don Finney
St. Lucie

This whole trip has been a great experience for me. I have loved every moment of it, it has just been great. I'm sure this has just been awesome for everyone I had so much fun I can't even put it into words how much fun I had. If I were to pick one thing that was most memorable it would have to be seeing the pope. There were many other great things but seeing the Pope was the best. It was just amazing. Saturday night when all the candles were lit and they were handing them back and forth I got chills all over my body, and when the pope drove by in his pope-mobile that was just amazing too, it was all a great experience but that would have to be the best and most memorable moment. I will never forget it for the rest of my life.
-Ryan Ebright
St. Joseph

My most memorable experience during the trip at World Youth Day in Canada is most definitely seeing the Pope. Most people will never have this kind of opportunity. I am so thankful for those who helped me with the expenses. The first time I was able to see Pope John Paul II was on Saturday the 27th. Along with many others, I was hugging the barricades that blocked off the pope's route. I am so thrilled that we were able to get so close and to actually wave and have him look right back. Also to experience this with a group of great people, especially those from my parish; Marianne, Fr. Don Finney, Shannon, Brittany, and Fr. Joe Papes from St. Jude. You guys are great and I love you! -Jennifer Macdonald
St. Lucie

Gazing out on the vigil night was amazing; to know I was surrounded by hundreds of thousands of others who believe as I do. It was refreshing to see young people celebrating Jesus, from all over the world: we are the church. It was exciting to be a small part of the whole. Niagara Falls was also amazing-seeing God's amazing greatness in a creation of His making.
-Amy Kessler
St. Joseph

During the Friday Catechesis session we listened to the Bishop speak about reaching out to pardon injury and to be pardoned. Within the ecumenical theme we learned the importance of service and how the Prodigal Son's hurt and his father's forgiveness is a model for us even today. With that in mind we washed the fat of another as an expression of tangible servant hood and love. Afterwards the person whose foot we washed (my student's name was Paul) prayed over us. Paul's prayer for me will forever be burned into my memory of heart. You blessed me more than you know, Paul! -Deanna Saxton
St. Joseph

The most memorable experience was the challenged kids that shared so much in our catechetical session. To see their joy at being on stage and to see the gentleness and love of those that cared for them really touched my heart.
-Sonny Gaudet
St. Joseph

My most memorable time was seeing the Pope. It's like waiting at a concert to see your favorite band that you really like. Well picture this but 1000 times better. There are no words powerful enough to describe the way you feel when the Pope passes by. It happened so fast when he passed by. My second most memorable moment was when some of us were in this small mall after just having gotten off the subway. Kevin went to go find something out. While we all waited with Jim, he decided to be funny and tell everyone that when Kevin came down the stairs yell, "Oh my gosh, it's Kevin Driscoll!" We were all scattered in different directions and as soon as he came down the stairs we all ran from different directions to him. At first he thought, ok I will just play along. But, this was not enough fun, we got other people from different countries to believe he was a big, important person. He was from the New York Mets as we said. It's not a lie; he really works for the Mets. The best, get this…. was when I told someone it was Kevin Driscoll from the N.Y. Mets, a couple actually replied "Kevin…I think I've seen him on the TV." This was gut-busting funny. I was trying not to laugh as our fearless leaders were getting a joke played on them.

The entire trip to me feels like one big great experience. Everything from meeting lots of people from other countries, to 100's of people in our own country and also people in our county. Here's a list of things that stand out: Flying, touring, "Helga", friends, Spanish moms, unity, hackey sac, watching the youth open up spiritually and socially, American pride, seeing the pope, lighting candles, camping out, seeing all the youth from our county rising up over the "Bishop thing" and sharing a great time with each other hugging and singing, subway rides, "polska", "street car incident", Kev's anniversary in French, the famous Kevin Driscoll, Jim's birthday, the walk to the "popestock", feet washing, praying in the airport for Sonny's wife without a care in the world about what anyone thought, the love shared between 40 people that were total strangers, basketball, winning pool for our country, fitness bunnies, having some of the pilgrims use me as a leader and open up to me, indoor pool chicken fights, Eden crying our way back to camp morning sessions, people begging for American flags, being a big brother to a bunch of girls, staring at the stars in the sky during camp out, water trips and washroom trips, having people sign me, 7227 and Allen's random slappings, fending off our camp site, meal tickets and getting the meals, alphabet count off, "very tasty grape" at papal mass, peanut butter cups on the way home, hockey hall of fame, carrying all the luggage on hike.
-Tom Amenita
St. Paul of the Cross

World Youth Day came and went in a flash, but to those of us on the trip it changed our lives forever. We went on the trip only knowing a few, but after being together for a couple of days we became a family. We went on this pilgrimage together as one, we shared our love with everyone, gaining Christ love as we endured our journey. For some this pilgrimage changed their lives, for others it was a wake up call. All of us gained something out of this pilgrimage, whether it was the new friendships we’ve made or maybe even the stronger relationship we’ve taken in with God. A lot of us didn’t know what to expect, I really didn’t. I went on the trip open minded and open hearted. I wanted to take as much as I could from the experience. The people I met on this pilgrimage have changed my life in many ways. Knowing there are so many catholic youth just waiting to express their dying love for their lord is just breath taking, you don’t see that everyday. The issue wasn’t about all the drama that’s been going on in our churches, it was more we are the youth of the world or as the theme of WYD was “ you are the salt of the earth... you are the light of the world.” We were brought to WYD to endure everything you can imagine and we did. For a lot of us seeing the “Holy Father” was the highlight of our trip. I remember the morning of the papal mass so well. We woke up to pouring rain and people stepping on us, waiting for JP2's arrival. The rain kept pouring down on us, but it didn’t matter we were in JP2's presence. I remember him telling us how he was going to bless us with holy water, and he was saying how nature was already giving us a morning shower... right after he blessed us the rain stopped and the sun was shining. There was also the time during communion, you saw the thousands of people hungry for Christ, even if it was just a tiny piece. Those were just a few of the amazing sites we saw. Of course we are going to have our inside jokes such as the famous Kevin Driscoll, “fitness bunnies”, “in my pants”, Jim’s B-day, getting stepped on, and there are many more. We will always have these memories to share. Some of us even shared our innermost secrets with others. Things we wouldn’t even begin to tell a person we’ve only know for a couple of days. It didn’t matter though because for some reason God was calling on you to reach out to that person. God wanted you to open up to he or she. For me my new friendship has taught me a lot about who I am and what I want to become. The friendship I made hopefully will stay strong. I’ve also learned that sometimes we don’t think we need our friends and family, but really we do. Our friends and family shape us, they make us who we are today. We need them every step of the way, just as we need God. Everyone suffers that’s just how life is, but you don’t have to do it alone. A lot of us are afraid to say we care or even to ask for help, but if we don’t show our feelings or ask then we are just hurting ourselves and not learning. God put each and every one of us on this trip for a reason, and maybe some of us still don’t know the reason, the rest of us are sharing. Either way this trip has made an impact on my life and was an awesome experience.

-Stefanie Infante
St. Ignatius Loyola