"How was Poland?" was a question I was asked, and still get asked, since I returned. My, now fine-tuned, response is, "it was a destination that was never on my list of 'must see' but is now on my list of 'must return.'"
I learned about Saints who stalk like when I found myself in the JPII chapel of the underground church in Lourdes while on the France Pilgrimage. I prayed to him with a lot of humility that I didn't take advatage of getting to know him better during his living days and mentioned that I'd like to get to know him better now. Then, about a year later came the Poland Pilgrimage announcement. Things that make you go hmmmmmm...
I found a deeper connection to the Divine Mercy and a new routine or discipline while at adoration by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Could St. Faustina be my new stalker?
I am always challenged by the Pilgrims. I love seeing things from new perspectives and these Pilgrimages provide such a diverse and strong group of people that are invigorated by challenges to their worlds of thought rather than offended by it. How refreshing!
I enjoyed reconnecting with returning Pilgrims and getting to know them better. I enjoyed meeting new Pilgrims and hearing their life journeys. A group of Pilgrims even bonded over our confirmation Saint - Barbara - and found her on a stained glass window at the church on the Auschwitz-Birkenau campus. How cool is that?!
It was a wonderful experience all-aound and I encourage anyone to begin saving now so that when the next Pilgrimage is announced, it's a definite "YES" for you.
People crave community. We were at a dinner party last night with people to whom I could just say, "Because I love Jesus," and have them fist pump the air. It has taken me so long to find others.
Sorrow and beauty can coexist. Our sorrowful mother has taught me this. This was a good Roundup, thank you for sharing your trip!
I've been awaiting this letter! I'm so glad you went and I pray you all had a safe and enriching experience.
I went to WYD this year as a chaperone for a former YG I used to lead back in the day. It was a completely different experience not being the planner and simply going as a chaperone for kids whose older siblings I once mentored.
Like you, the beautiful moments weren't the expected ones. It wasn't the overnight vigil or really anything with the Pope (although he's cool too).
It was being hosted by portugese 'grandparents' (an elderly couple) and welcomed into their small church community. It was getting to know the youth, whom I missed so badly upon my return. It was adventures and conversations on the way to our next meal, next event.
I pray I'll one day be able to join you lovely ladies and I also pray you nurture the ways in which God revealed himself to you in Poland and that these graces carry you into Advent and our new Liturgical year ❤️
What a beautiful reflection and experience. Thank you for sharing with us!
"How was Poland?" was a question I was asked, and still get asked, since I returned. My, now fine-tuned, response is, "it was a destination that was never on my list of 'must see' but is now on my list of 'must return.'"
I learned about Saints who stalk like when I found myself in the JPII chapel of the underground church in Lourdes while on the France Pilgrimage. I prayed to him with a lot of humility that I didn't take advatage of getting to know him better during his living days and mentioned that I'd like to get to know him better now. Then, about a year later came the Poland Pilgrimage announcement. Things that make you go hmmmmmm...
I found a deeper connection to the Divine Mercy and a new routine or discipline while at adoration by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Could St. Faustina be my new stalker?
I am always challenged by the Pilgrims. I love seeing things from new perspectives and these Pilgrimages provide such a diverse and strong group of people that are invigorated by challenges to their worlds of thought rather than offended by it. How refreshing!
I enjoyed reconnecting with returning Pilgrims and getting to know them better. I enjoyed meeting new Pilgrims and hearing their life journeys. A group of Pilgrims even bonded over our confirmation Saint - Barbara - and found her on a stained glass window at the church on the Auschwitz-Birkenau campus. How cool is that?!
It was a wonderful experience all-aound and I encourage anyone to begin saving now so that when the next Pilgrimage is announced, it's a definite "YES" for you.
Thank you Claire! Miss you fellow Pilgrims!
So thankful to have traveled with you TWICE now. ❤️ And have an amazing time in Greece with Tsh!!!
I most definitely “had a good time”! Thank you again for leading the pilgrimage. It was amazing. ❤️
People crave community. We were at a dinner party last night with people to whom I could just say, "Because I love Jesus," and have them fist pump the air. It has taken me so long to find others.
Sorrow and beauty can coexist. Our sorrowful mother has taught me this. This was a good Roundup, thank you for sharing your trip!
I've been awaiting this letter! I'm so glad you went and I pray you all had a safe and enriching experience.
I went to WYD this year as a chaperone for a former YG I used to lead back in the day. It was a completely different experience not being the planner and simply going as a chaperone for kids whose older siblings I once mentored.
Like you, the beautiful moments weren't the expected ones. It wasn't the overnight vigil or really anything with the Pope (although he's cool too).
It was being hosted by portugese 'grandparents' (an elderly couple) and welcomed into their small church community. It was getting to know the youth, whom I missed so badly upon my return. It was adventures and conversations on the way to our next meal, next event.
I pray I'll one day be able to join you lovely ladies and I also pray you nurture the ways in which God revealed himself to you in Poland and that these graces carry you into Advent and our new Liturgical year ❤️