The first few days of the World Youth Day pilgrimage have been filled with memorable and impactful experiences in one of the most famous cities in the world.
While Paris is full of incredible sights and immense history, some of the most impactful moments for our pilgrims have come from quieter encounters.
The majestic Sacre Coeur at Montmatre offered the pilgrims the opportunity for Adoration of the Eucharist.
Pilgrim Anna Todhunter described how she was drawn to adoration when she saw the large silver monstrance holding the Eucharist on the altar upon entering the Cathedral. “It was the biggest I’ve ever seen,” she said. Although the Cathedral was busy with pilgrims and tourists she saw the silence of those kneeling in front of the alter. “They were just spending time with the Lord,” she said. She went to the front of the altar. “Even though I was in this magnificent cathedral it felt like it was just me and Him,” she said.
Later on Sunday evening, pilgrims and clergy were invited to worship at a beautiful church, Saint Germain des Pres, alongside hundreds of French and American World Youth Day pilgrims. The Mass marked the commissioning of the WYD Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Paris. To the amazement of the Parramatta pilgrims, after Mass, the French pilgrims got onto their bus, backpacks and sleeping mats in hand, straight from the church!
Bishop Vincent presided over the Mass, joined by the four pilgrimage chaplains with Deacon Tom Green invited to read the Gospel.
Deacon Tom was thrilled at the opportunity to participate in the Mass.
“It was an awesome experience. Bishop Vincent got to preside in a Mass that was done in French. To be able to able to assist at a church that is so historical and to do it in front of so many young people and pilgrims, it was such a blessing for me,” he said.
The opportunity to visit the chapel of St Vincent de Paul on Monday 24 July was also significant for many, not least Bishop Vincent, who explained in his homily the welcome that he received on discovering a Vinnies shop on arriving in Australia. He explained how the active mission of St Vincent now reverberates across the globe in so many ways.
This was the first time Bishop Vincent had visited the chapel of the saint, whose name he has taken, and the first time he observed the great saint’s relics which lie in a glass tomb above the altar.
For Fr Greg Jacobs, Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish Emerton and one of the chaplains on the pilgrimage, and who has had a 35-year association with the St Vincent de Paul Society, being able to officiate at Mass at the chapel was a highlight. It was the first time he had visited the chapel of St Vincent de Paul.
For him, it was the start of what he described as the spiritual part of the journey as the pilgrims were now encountering the saints they had been learning about in preparation for the pilgrimage. He also said that being able to say Mass at the Chapel of St Vincent de Paul was a highlight of his priestly life.
“I often tell the story that during the French Revolution they never touched a statue of St Vincent de Paul because of his connection with the poor and the outcasts,” said Fr Greg. This is where the church really speaks to people in a special way.”
“People like St Vincent de Paul do speak for the Church and the way we connect with the wider society.”
The pilgrims also visited the chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal who appeared in front of St Catherine Laboure in 1830. For seminarian Mackey who has a medal it was a highlight. “I am very excited to be at this place right here and right now,” he said.
Our World Youth Day pilgrims will continue their travels through France, with next stop Lourdes, before heading to Spain and then on to World Youth Day in Lisbon Portugal.
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