After a transformative journey exploring Europe’s most sacred places and seeing the Pope in Lisbon, our World Youth Day (WYD) pilgrims gathered to reconnect and share stories, returning to where it all began a year ago for their formation sessions at West HQ, Rooty Hill.
With some pilgrims welcoming babies, discerning religious vocations or starting new jobs, they found out that changes, whether big or small, had touched them all since the pilgrimage to France, Spain, Portugal and Italy in 2023.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, joined more than 120 of the Diocese of Parramatta’s 170 pilgrims to celebrate the fruits of what was a successful pilgrimage to WYD.
“The friendships, the camaraderie that I built with the fellow pilgrims, that stays very much with me and the experiences that we shared together,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Wherever we are, we need to remember the Spirit is with us, accompanying us, inspiring us, guiding us.”
Referencing his infamous ‘selfie’ of the pilgrimage group in Fátima that went viral on social media, Bishop Vincent described it as the best he’s ever taken.
“This was at Fátima and we have everybody in the contingent of the Diocese there. I took this selfie trusting the Holy Spirit,” he said, as the crowd erupted with laughter.
Bishop Vincent Long taking a selfie with pilgrims during the Diocese of Parramatta World Youth Day pilgrimage in Fátima, Lisbon, in July 2023. Image: Catholic Youth Parramatta
The group was then invited to share how their lives have changed since the pilgrimage.
Parramatta Marist Westmead student Noah said his life had changed in a profound way.
“When going into WYD, I felt out of place like I didn’t belong anywhere,” he said.
“Going on that pilgrimage made me realise that I’m not alone. I felt like I couldn’t connect, but going on WYD has made me realise that I can.”
World Youth Day pilgrim Noah (left) with fellow pilgrim Josh during their one-year reunion at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Qwayne Guevara, Lead Facilitator of the Diocesan Synod and Manager for Catholic Youth Parramatta also shared how the pilgrimage has impacted her life.
“When we left Sydney and we were at the airport, we probably had no idea what we were going to encounter,” she said.
“Could we have scripted it any better? Probably not.
“There are things that we can script for ourselves and then when we’re there, God can completely change the direction of our lives. That’s how big God is.”
(L-R) World Youth Day pilgrim coordinators James Camden, Lisa Crampton, Qwayne Guevara and Mark Smith at the one-year reunion at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
For those who have started new jobs, teacher pilgrims have stepped into ministry roles since WYD.
“We’ve got so many teachers who are now part of the Faith in Action team and at least one of them are now Religious Education Coordinator,” said small group leader and Mission Partner at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, Virginia Fortunat.
“It’s really great to see some of our teachers stepping up into leadership in our schools.”
For Fr Christopher del Rosario, changing parishes from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta to St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood, was challenging.
“World Youth Day teaches you to be resilient, you don’t know God’s plans. God gives you a lot of consolation and difficulty,” he said.
“When I moved to Springwood, the first few months were very difficult. At the same time, God is so good in the difficulties and consolations that he gives you every blessing.
“I really do love it and the parish has grown exponentially and it’s been an absolute joy. God is good.”
World Youth Day pilgrims during their one-year reunion at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill student Paula said that her faith was reignited and that World Youth Day enabled her to strengthen her relationship with God.
“When I first came to the formations, I felt lost and like I wasn’t supposed to be here. I didn’t go to Mass every Sunday or pray very often and I felt guilty for that,” she said.
“During World Youth Day, I’ve gotten to know some great people and I’ve eased into praying and actually enjoying Mass, paying attention to the homilies and applying them to my life.”
Young adult pilgrim Anne gave a summary of what all the pilgrims were thinking.
“I’ve walked away with such a large community of great Catholic friends. It’s gone from being a small, tight circle to what I feel like I could have a party with a bunch of Catholics,” she said.
“It’s very profound and powerful to be with a group of young, like-minded Catholics who are on different paths of our journey but are all walking on that same path to God.”
Taylor Hodgson is a member of the Marketing and Communications team at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
This article was originally published in the 2024 Season of Creation | Spring edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
