World Youth Day Pilgrimage inspires zeal, hope in diocesan youth

“Count and lean on the generosity of the Father!’’ was the encouragement from Bishop James F. Checchio during a send-off Mass  on July 28, as 41 delegates from the Diocese of Metuchen embarked on the 10-day pilgrimage to  World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Since its inception by Pope St. John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day defines its purpose as, “an opportunity to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church, and to share with the whole world the hope of many young people who are committing their lives to Christ and His Church.”

This year’s celebration marked the 17th time that Catholic youth and young adults gathered together in faith and celebration. An estimated 1.5 million people from around the globe made the journey to Lisbon between July 28 - August 6.

Among the 41 delegates from the Diocese of Metuchen, eight parishes were represented as well as members from five different youth and young adult groups, members of diocesan staff, seven seminarians and two priests.

At the helm of the pilgrimage were Megan Callahan, diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Father Tom Lanza diocesan Vocation Office, and Jonathan Camiolo of FIAT Ventures. Camiolo was particularly instrumental in leading the pilgrimage in conjunction with the Diocese of Patterson, and extending the opportunity for high-school students.

As part of a long-term goal, the past four World Youth Day celebrations have dovetailed off one another drawing from the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With her youthful spirit at the center, the intention is to energize young people to live out their vocation and bring their faith and gifts to various ministries.

Over the course of the pilgrimage Callahan encouraged pilgrims to approach reflection times with honesty and openness. “Throughout the course of the trip, I encouraged our pilgrims to share their ‘high, low, and ‘God’-moments’ each day with their small groups. During those times, many graces were unpacked and encounters with our Lord expressed.”

This year’s particular theme drew from Luke 1:39, “Mary arose and went with haste.” On the mornings of August 2-4, pilgrims participated in catechesis (newly named “Rise Up Encounters”) which covered three topics from Pope Francis’ pontificate: Integral Ecology, Social Friendship, and Mercy, all in accordance with the theme, “Give young people a mission by saying that now is the time to dream and work for a new world, just as Mary did as a young woman.”

In the days that followed, pilgrims participated in events on a large and more intimate scale including Stations of the Cross that was attended by 800,000 people.

The two papal Masses during the pilgrimage were held at the Parque Tejo - Campo da Graca (aptly translated to “Field of Grace”). It was during these events that the impact of the pilgrimage especially came to life, especially in the sacrifices made which distinguishes a pilgrimage from that of a vacation.

“The overnight vigil was tough but beautiful,” remarked Callahan. “The crowds were overwhelming and it was extremely hot those days. Nonetheless, the Lord blessed us abundantly with His love, joy, and safety.”

At the Sending Mass the following morning on The Feast of the Transfiguration, the Pope’s homily addressed tangible encouragements as to how pilgrims can share what they experienced on such a grand scale in Lisbon within their own communities. He highlighted three verbs in particular: Shine, listen, and do not be afraid.

“It is no longer I, but Jesus himself who is now looking at you,” the Holy Father said in a personal address to pilgrims. “He knows each of your hearts, each of your lives; he knows your joys, your sorrows, your successes and failures. He knows your heart. Today, he says to you, here in Lisbon, at this World Youth Day, ‘Have no fear, take heart, do not be afraid!’.”