Metuchen youth ‘share the light of Christ’ during pilgrimage

World Youth Day in Lisbon this year was an experience of God’s Providence in every way.

Eighty-five pilgrims from the Dioceses of Metuchen and Paterson traveled together for an unforgettable journey in friendship with each other and God.

Thanks to the leadership of Jonathan Camiolo, Megan Callahan, Father Tom Lanza, DubeTravel, and many others, the experience was smooth; the perfect balance of challenging exertion and rest, mindful attention to God’s presence and goofy fun with new friends.

Aside from witnessing a Eucharistic miracle, visiting the site of a significant Marian apparition, and celebrating Catholic identity with young believers from every nation (minus Maldives), what struck me most was how our group from New Jersey blended so naturally. It truly was a blessing. The Holy Spirit had everyone’s hearts open to free dialogue and unexpected connection.

We departed on Friday, July 28th, and returned Monday, Aug. 7th. After arrival in Portugal, we hit the ground running, our first stop being the Eucharistic Miracle in Santarém. The exquisitely decorated church hosted long lines of faithful bearing witness to a host that first bled in 1247, a powerful gift from God to ignite greater belief in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Next, we made our way to Fatima, where Our Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children, requesting we pray the rosary and do penance for peace in the world. Peace permeated that city, even as excited pilgrims sang and danced through its streets.

After two days in Fatima, we traveled to Lisbon and the World Youth Day festivities began. We attended an opening Mass celebrated by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Clemente; the opening ceremony with Pope Francis himself; multiple catechesis sessions, and special events with speakers such as Jonathan Roumie (who portrays Jesus in “The Chosen”) and Bishop Robert E. Barron, founder of “Word on Fire.”  We had opportunities to try out the local cuisine and were well taken care of by WYD volunteers, vendors, and our hotel’s staff as we trekked many miles every day!

The height of the WYD experience was the overnight vigil under the stars and Sunday Mass with the Pope the following morning. Walking amongst 1.5 million people of shared faith was both challenging and awe-inspiring. What it evoked in me was a sense of the Mystical Body of Christ. We moved as one body as we all journeyed to our destination.

Was this a “high, low, or God moment” for me? All of the above. The crowds, heat, dust, and rocks reminded me of the Israelites in the wilderness as God led them to freedom. The Adoration tents in our campsites paralleled the meeting tents in the desert. Communing with “strangers” reminded me that we are not alone in the journey, no matter how isolating or desolate it may seem at times.

The value of World Youth Day exceeds what the eye can see, but in essence it boldly proclaims this: the Church is not antiquated or dying, but youthful. We are not alone, we are stronger together, and God is with us, so we cannot fail. “Do not be afraid,” as Pope Francis exhorted us. Our mission is to share the light of Christ with the world.

Maria Agnese (24) is the current Youth Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville. Maria led the Metuchen Young Adult contingent on the WYD trip.