Dear husband and oldest son ready to go to WYD!
Please join me in prayer as young pilgrims (and their 'older' chaperones) from all over the world are now in route to World Youth Day, 2011. The youth of our future are convening together in Spain to be "Built up in Christ" and be "Firm in the faith" for the next 12 days! They will meet with the Holy Father, beginning on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all throughout that week. What a beautiful time for Our Lady to be close to them in a special way!
There were 17 pilgrims that departed today from our parish, joined by 10 other pilgrims from 2 other parishes. Thanks be to God, they will be joined by a priest to serve as their spiritual leader!
A few of our parish pilgrims met for morning Mass prior to their departure.
It was an unexpected blessing that Father M. was wearing his red vestments for the Feast of St. Lawrence, a martyr for the faith. Fr. M. matched the pilgrims:)
There has been so much to do to get ready for this trip...I think everyone is smiling about it finally being time to go!
Today was the first day of my son's (and other pilgrims) senior year of high school...Amazingly special to be heading to Spain!
I'm not even going but I'm still SO excited for each and every one of them!
~Come Holy Spirit, Come!~
Our CAV (Catholic Assault Vehicle) served a great and noble purpose...It carried the Advanced Party (military term for Tour Leaders) and their children;)
We were able to stuff all backpacks for 6 pilgrims in the back!
Being the chauffeur, I got honked at all the way home while I was stuck in commute traffic! I just waved with my new special rosary while I prayed the Glorious mysteries on behalf of our pilgrims:) It was so much fun!
Honk for the Holy Father and Honk for Spain!
This was the final group photo that my husband texted me from the airport...What a glorious group of pilgrims and blessed, indeed!
WYD Hymn Madrid 2011
"Firm in the faith"
(1st verse)
Your love, it builds us up and keeps us rooted,
Your cross, it gives us constant strength and courage,
Your flesh, it ever saves us and sustains us,
Your blood, it flows to cheer us and renew us,
O Christ, you are our Brother,
O Christ, you are our Friend, you are our Lord,
Make us firm in the faith, make us firm in the faith!
**Follow WYD at Virtual WYD or Catholic TV**
What an awesome opportunity! I will continue to pray for all of the pilgrims.
ReplyDeleteHe is so fortunate to have such an amazing opportunity like this!! I will keep him in my prayers. I look forward to hearing all about his trip too :-)
ReplyDeleteTiffany, the day finally arrived. I've been thinking about your family and wondering the date your husband and son were leaving for WYD. I lovelove the Catholic Assault Vehicle! such an evangelizing tool on the highway of life!!! God speed to your family members and to all the pilgrims. please keep us posted on your updates from them.
ReplyDeleteThis just brought tears to my eyes and the further along I read the more teary-eyed I grew! Tears of joy and prayers for this group and all the pilgrims who are headed to Spain!!! This entire send off was amazing! Amazing!
ReplyDeletePrayers for your beloved family members and their fellow pilgrims.
ReplyDeleteI had tears welling up in my eyes as I read this post! I pray for a spiritual and safe journey for your pilgrims! What an amazing experience this will be...one I hope to share with young people from our parish in the years to come!
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany, I'm praying for your family and friends to have a safe journey! The CAV is so awesome! What a great witness for Christ and the Catholic Church!
ReplyDeletePraying for your husband and your son, what a great way to kick off his senior year!!
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