World Youth Day 2011
Madrid - August 14, 2011
On August 14, 2011, eleven pilgrims set out on a pilgrimage to Madrid,
Spain to join thousands of other young people in celebrating their faith
with the Pope: Allison and Nicole Cross, Roger Turocy (Ss. Peter & Paul
Church, Ambridge, PA), Anna and Christine Patoray, (Holy Trinity Church,
Youngstown, OH), Cole Bury, (St. Anne’s Church, Austintown, OH),
Philip and Stephanie Russick, (Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church,
Ford City, PA), Joseph Levy, (St. John the Baptist Church, Pittsburgh,
PA) along with Sr. Ann Laszok, OSBM, Eparchy of St. Josaphat and Fr. James
Karepin, OP, Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago.
The trip got off to a bumpy start with a cancellation due
to storms in Newark, NJ and then turbulence on the delayed
rescheduled flight. Excitement in exploring a whole new
city, learning the subway system, and meeting other Ukrainian
Catholic young people from Canada, the United States and
Ukraine characterized the whole week. Daily catechesis
led by our Canadian counterparts in English was thought
provoking. Bishop Bryan’s homilies were enlightening
and inclusive at the Liturgies as well at the catechesis.
Challenges in maneuvering through the massive crowds for
various events, meals and travel from place to place, etc.
were faced with patience and good humor. Disappointments
in not being able to visit the vocation site, the Prado
or the Mozarabic Liturgy (an ancient Spanish rite prior
to the Roman rite) because of humongous lines were turned
into opportunities to happen upon Mother Theresa’s
exhibit, the Cathedral of St Isadore (patron saint of Madrid),
and the Church of Santa Cruz and the red carpet walk. The
highlight of the week was seeing Pope Benedict XVI up close
(after 6 1…2 hours of waiting in the heat) as he passed
by in his motorcar. Celebrating Liturgy with him after
a seven mile walk and an overnight vigil that was initially
blessed by a lightening storm passing through was unforgettable.
Because of the prayers and support of many we left behind,
the Lord was with us constantly; in the helpfulness of
the locals who gave us good directions, in sharing water
in time of need; in keeping everyone safe in the sea of
humanity and the love and care we had for each other. We
experienced Christ in others as well as each other. Divine
Liturgy with Fr. Kerapin at the hotel helped us reflect
on each other’s gifts. Respect, love and mutual concern
dominated the week’s pilgrimage.
An invitation to a dinner of borscht and perohi by a Ukrainian
family working in Spain capped the week with a feast.
Eparchy of St Josaphat pilgrims pose with Bishops Brian from Saskatoon, Bishop Josef from Kiev and BishopæDionysius of Ternopil |
The overnight vigil in an airfield |
Ukrainians from the USA, Canada,, Spain, Ukraine, Greece, etc gather to celebrate Divine Liturgy and have catechesis at WYD 2011 |
Waiting for 6 hours in the intense heat æfor the Pope to pass by |
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Resting in the shade on the 7 mile "walk" to the airfield |
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