The Beauty of World Youth Day

It has officially been one week since I came back from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and I can still feel the impact of this journey. This experience was truly an incredible way to encounter Christ. 

Our group had the opportunity to stay with homestay families and it was through this experience, that we really encountered Christ's love. We were welcomed with open arms by the community and were well taken care of. After living with our families in Paulinia for about a week, we left with tears in our eyes and sadness in our hearts. I couldn’t believe how much love we received from those families in only 5 days. This experience has helped me to truly understand what is meant when we say that we are all Brothers and Sisters in Christ. From this experience, I have learned to open my heart to others and love those whom I do not know. 

Looking back, I recognize that our time during missionary week in Paulinia really prepared our hearts for the challenges that we were to face in Rio de Janeiro. The moment we arrived at the Rio train station, we already encountered locals telling us that it is unsafe to travel to our accommodation in the evening. Some other groups chose to camp out at the station but our group was fortunate enough to locate a bus that would take us closer to our area. We arrived as a group safely at our designated parish, only to then be divided up into different home stay families, which was unexpected. There was a flurry of chaos and we didn’t even know how we would meet again the next day. Some of us were alone, but most of us were in at least pairs. These are moments where you just have to trust in God that everything will be okay.  

We didn’t see each other till later in the afternoon the next day. In comparison to Paulinia, the home stay families are not expected to drive us around, so we had to be prepared to establish ways to meet up as a group and learn the transit system in Brazil. All of us were blessed with wonderful homestay families who were so welcoming. Unfortunately, not all of us had the best homestay conditions. This was the toughest part…seeing a few of my group members encounter bed bugs, cockroaches, a mouse, bats, stray dogs and a sketchy walk home each night. But all in all, the beauty of this journey is that with each of the challenges that we faced, there was significant growth in each of us. The Lord knows us so well that He searches us and challenges us to go beyond ourselves. And, our group bonded over tough moments such as these and became true friends in Christ. The friends that I have made on this 2 and a half week journey are truly friends for life. 

We also had the opportunity to get a close glimpse of Pope Francis as he moved among the crowds. He truly is an example of Christ on earth and he was so compassionate to everyone. Seeing 3 million other young people from around the world has inspired me to live my life for Christ more fully and to become disciples of all nations. WYD is an event that I would highly encourage every young person to attend. God knows our weaknesses and strengths and on this spiritual journey, He truly does challenge each and every one of us to trust Him more. For those who have not experienced WYD, I hope you will open your heart to journey with Christ at the next WYD in Poland in 2016!!!

Blessings,
Winetta Lee 
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

"A home away from home" for Star of the Sea pilgrims!

Today has been the definition of bittersweet. We are currently on our way from Missionary Week in Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro for WYD. While we are excited for all of the events in Rio and anxious to see what this week holds for each of us, the past week with our new family at Santa Zita parish has been one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived last Tuesday, we were welcomed with wide open arms and extreme joy.
The Sisters of the Carmelite Mission made their house a home away from home for us. We weren't merely guests in their home, but felt like we were meant to be there.

Some of the highlights of the week were a visit to a facility run by the Carmelites where children from the favelas (slums) are sent to live because it is too dangerous for them to stay in their homes. We spent some time just singing and dancing with them. It is amazing to see these children who have so little and face so many challenges and dangers in their lives, yet they are full of spirit and joy.

Another highlight was a regional celebration for everyone participating in Missionary Week in the Santana area of Sao Paulo. There are 2 memories from this afternoon that will stay with me for many years. First was the heavy rainstorm that sent all of us running for cover. Our shelter under an overhang quickly turned into a little dance party with our voices being the only music. Not even a torrential downpour can dampen the spirits of World Youth Day pilgrims or the volunteers who host them.
The second is the short ceremony at the beginning of Mass. One representative from each country present processed in carrying their country's flag and a small container of soil from their country. Then, each one poured their soil into one container and a tree was planted in it. Through that tree, we are all united and have also left a part of ourselves in Sao Paulo.

Our days were always full of activity, be it spiritual formation sessions, cultural activities, prayer, Eucharist or just having dinner, but the best part of all was sharing it with my fellow pilgrims and the people of Santa Zita Parish. Many of the volunteers did not speak English or spoke very little, so communicating was not always easy, but we are bonded by one faith and the one language that is universal - love.

And so this morning, after sharing in the Eucharist one last time, we had to say goodbye to our new family. There was hardly a dry eye in the house as we hugged, kissed and waved goodbye. But we leave grateful for the time we had together and hopeful that we will see each other again one day.
We will carry the members of our Santa Zita family in our hearts through World Youth Day and for the rest of our lives.

Blessings,
Jessica
Star of the Sea Parish

Vancouver Pilgrims share their thoughts before attending WYD Rio 2013

Footage taken at the "Amizade" Send-Off event for pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Courtesy of Salt + Light Media.

Last day of Mission Week with Holy Cross WYD Parish pilgrims

Visiting a sick parishioner of Nossa Senhor Bom Conselho (Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish), Senhor Juca, along with other parishioners.

Celebrating our last night in Sao Paulo at our send off mass at Segrada Cathedral with all the pilgrims in the Diocese of Campo Limpo

A visit to a very large and beautiful Basilica

Day 4 of Mission Week

I can definitely say that it was worth the wake up call at five AM in order to bus out to the Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Aparecida Basilica. As we drove into the gates, the view of the beautiful mountains and a dome tower faced us. Thousands of people were there to look at this beautiful place. We started in the market, filled with a huge food court which contained at least twenty food choices (surprisingly McDonald's was there too). There were just as many shops. Mostly the shops were selling religious keep sakes. Every store sold the statue of Saint Aparecida, who is the patron saint of Brazil. I also purchased a beautiful rosary in a soft blue colour for my mom. The shops were lively and beautiful. 

We also attended Mass at the Basilica. Inside were high ceilings and intricate stain glass windows. It is absolutely beautiful inside. So at noon the procession began and the world could be seen in the rows in front of me and behind me. Though there were also many Brazilians accompanying us, I could see many people wearing the shirts of their country. France, Poland, Columbia, Tobago, America and Canada (Vancouver AND we spotted Edmonton). In the beginning the bishop had asked all the guest priests to introduce themselves. We had Father Patrick Tepoorten who was very proud to represent Vancouver, Canada.

As this missionary week comes quickly to a close, I can't help but feel melancholy. Sao Paolo and our host Parish in Brazil have been so spectacular. Tomorrow will be our last full day with out host families.

Signing off, Stephanie Nguyen and the IC Delta Pilgrims

Playing for the Lord's Team!

Day 3 of Mission Week

After a breakfast of ham, cheese, papaya, cereal, Brazilian cheese buns (which are delicious), fresh baked rolls and your choice of peach or grape juice, milk, tea, and strawberry yogurt drink we headed down to the parish for Via Crucis (the stations of the cross).  It was a beautiful experience as we circled the parish with a large wooden cross and the warmth of God`s love (though the sun was strongly present as well). 

Definitely one of the highlights of the day was the big soccer match. It was the event that the parish has been excitingly describing to us all week. The Brazilian`s really take their football seriously. They had let us borrow real team uniforms to wear, and they blasted music and booked the public field for us to use. The Brazilian girls won 2-1 against the Power Rangers (which consisted of Tobago, Trinidad and Canada). Surprisingly, the Tigers (Tobago, Trinidad and Canada) boys team won in their game through a shootout! Did I mention that they had to borrow a Brazilian player? He was their goalie. One thing we had in common was that we were playing for the Lord, God`s Team! 

It was such a fun day! An article is anticipated to come out in the next few days in the local Guarulhos newspaper! 

Signing off, Stephanie Nguyen and the IC Delta Pilgrims!

Visiting a seniors home, a zoo and making a lot of new friends

At the Zoo including pilgrims from Brazil, Tobago, Trinidad and Canada.  

After starting the day in Mass, the group of visitors which consisted of our Canadian group (and one friend from the country of Tobago), were broken up into three prayer groups. In my group, we visited a seniors residence named Lar de Paz (which is Brazilian for Place of Heaven), we sang songs, heard their stories and prayed with them. What I found strikingly prominent in Brazil is the amount of friendliness and love that is shown to all of us. This was also seen during our visit to the senior home. We were greeted with hugs, kisses, smiles and handshakes. I am reminded today that like the Brazilians, I must keep an open heart. The parishioners here are so generous and kind. I am very blessed to be with such a warm community! 

We also visited the Guarulhos Zoo! From a lion (and his lioness), ostriches, and snapping turtles, we saw them all today during our visit.  When we passed the otter, there were many "ooohs" and "so cutes," but humourously we all agreed that the otter couple at the Vancouver Aquarium can´t be beat!  

Signing off, Stephanie Nguyen and the IC Delta Pilgrims!  

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish´s dining hall. We have most of our meals here. 

Pilgrims busy, but enjoying after 2 days of Mission Week

Hi from Santa Zita parish in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo!

We have been here for only 2 days but we have been very busy.  Our time has been spent in prayer sessions, a visit to a retirement home, a trip to the Sao Paulo metropolitan Cathedral, basketball, soccer and volleyball games with our hosts and samba lessons later today.

The families here have been so welcoming and happy to see us.  Tt has been an amazing trip so far and we can't wait to experience more.

By Star of the Sea and St Marys (Chilliwack) WYD parish pilgrims

A warm welcome in Sao Paulo!

Greetings! I can finally say that after a ten hour plane ride, nothing can beat the wondrous feeling that comes into ones mind when the plane finally (and of course safely) landed! It is very nice to say that Immaculate Conception Parish as well as St. Patrick Parish, St. Bernadette Parish and Star of the Sea Parish have arrived safely in Sao Paulo, Brazil!

Today was filled with many events! After a wait at the airport, we, West Coast Canadians left to go to a lovely parish known as Saoroque. There we were greeted with food, friendliness and DANCING! Smiling faces and encouragement were always sent our way even though we lacked much hand-eye coordination. Father Saju was great! He was the MVP of our dance group! 

We then took a bus through Guarulhos to our home stay parish - Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. Here we had the opportunity to shower (which made the whole group cheer in happiness after nineteen total hours of travelling). After some deee-li-cious Brazilian lunch (which included Brazilian style fried potatoes and corn beef in mash potato), we headed to the shopping strip. Purchases ranged from chocolate and candy to styling priest sunglasses to sim cards for phones. 

The day ended with a fantastic Brazilian Mass filled with complex harmonies and motions. To end with a bang, a big surprise was prepared by the parish for its pilgrims. Special lights were set up to provide a dancing mood for the crowd. Spectacular laser beams and colour images were brought to life. Dinner followed after with delicious Brazilian soups and your choice of tasty toppings! Thank you to the host families and the parish for such a warm welcome! 

Signing off Stephanie Nguyen and the IC Delta Pilgrims. 

P.S I would like to give a shout out to Youth Day presenter, Pavel, who we saw at the YVR airport yesterday. May he have a safe trip!

Holy Cross pilgrims at Mission Week

We attended the opening Mass during Mission Week in Campo Limpo, Sao Paulo at Segrada de Familia

Met other Canadian pilgrims from Edmonton at the opening Mass

By Holy Cross WYD pilgrims

Greetings From Texas!

After one Tim Horton's breakfast sandwich, a cup of airplane tea, and four hours of travel, the pilgrims of Immaculate Conception Parish Delta have arrived in Fort Worth Texas! St. Bernadette, Our Lady of Sorrows, as well as St.Patrick Parish WYD groups have also arrived safely.

These parishes not only share the pride of being Canadian but also the bond of being Catholic! Pilgrims of Vancouver can be seen sporting their red Archdiocese "Canada '13" jerseys or like St. Pats or IC Delta, their parish t-shirts! Truly this pilgrimage is bringing many Catholics together as one, holy, apostolic Church!

Some highlights of the day would definitely be being randomly selected to undergo a bag check at the American Customs, Father Saju being asked by the American Officer the stages in becoming a pope (Father was held for quite a long time, so we thought that they would not allow him to pass), mailing my "cow kisses from Texas" postcard to my parents, and finding out that in Texas there are two food sizes: a normal size and TEXAS size...(and they also have a Texas accent too!).  NOW for a gruelling ten hour plane ride to Sao Paulo! See you in Sao Paulo! :)

Signing off,
Stephanie Nguyen and the IC Delta WYD Pilgrims!

Holy Cross parish pilgrims departing YVR airport for WYD Rio 2013!

The smiling faces of Holy Cross parish pilgrims bound for World Youth Day Rio!

Archbishop Michael's message to the departing WYD Vancouver pilgrims.

99 Vancouver pilgrims bound for WYD Rio 2013!

The Archdiocese of Vancouver will have 99 pilgrims from 19 parishes (grouped into 9 parish groups) journey to the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  This number includes many young adults making their first WYD pilgrimage and will also include 5 priests and few seminarians.

Over the last two years, many of the pilgrims have been planning, fundraising and praying to prepare themselves for this great journey.  A big thanks goes out to their WYD group leaders who have been working very hard to get their groups ready.

A few pilgrims have left Vancouver already, while the majority of them will be leaving on or around July 15 to make their way to Missionary Week, the pre-WYD program, formerly known as "Days in the Diocese."  Following Missionary Week, the pilgrims will journey to Rio for the main events of World Youth Day from July 23 to 28.

The Vancouver pilgrims are counted among the 1,100 Canadians registered for this WYD.  Many of them will meet at the Canadian gathering to be held at the Welcome Centre at Vivo Rio on Thursday, July 25.

Here are the parish groups with the number of pilgrims attending:

Blessed Sacrament, Vancouver - 16 pilgrims and 1 priest

Holy Cross, Burnaby - 7 pilgrims

Holy Family Parish, Sechelt - 4 pilgrims

Immaculate Conception, Delta - 15 pilgrims and 2 priests

Our Lady of Sorrows, Vancouver - 20 pilgrims and 1 priest

St. Bernadette, Surrey - 3 pilgrims

St. Joseph, Port Moody - 5 pilgrims

St. Patrick, Vancouver - 6 pilgrims

Star of the Sea, Surrey - 18 pilgrims and 1 priest

To stay update with the Vancouver pilgrims, follow this blog at www.vanwyd.blogspot.ca and/or follow the Twitter account @VanWYD

For more info on WYD Rio 2013, visit the official website here.

By Gerard Garcia

Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Archdiocese of Vancouver

AMIZADE!

Amizade, the World Youth Day send-off event for Vancouver pilgrims took place on June 23 at Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese parish in Vancouver.  This date marked the one month start to WYD in Rio de Janeiro.  Approximately 150 attended the full day program which consisted of a Q & A session by Brazilian native and pastor of OLF, Fr. Leonardo Rocha, CS, community building activities, a pilgrim walk to St. Joseph parish, Mass, a blessing by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB and a Brazilian themed dinner and dance to end the evening.  It was a wonderful gathering to send our pilgrims on their way to WYD Rio 2013.  Our prayers are with you!

A big thank you to all the WYD Groups, Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese parish, St. Joseph parish, Fr. Leonardo, Archbishop Michael, DJ PokeYouInDaEye, Os Gringos, Samba Fusion and especially our Commission for Young Adult Ministry WYD Co-chairs Daniela Gimenez and Elizabeth Ingram for coordinating this event.

For more pictures from Amizade, click here

For more info on WYD, click here

By Gerard Garcia

Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry