At the beginning of trip, as I took a tour through Vatican City, I realized that being Catholic encompasses so much more than just a religion. It’s the history that comes with it; the many saints and apostles that had so much faith in God that they overcame their fear and accomplished what God asked of them. It was incredible to kneel down by Saint John Paul II tomb in St. Peters Basilica and be able to pray in his presence.
Our stop in Assisi was my favorite part of Italy. The abundant number of churches in that one small town was impressive, and they each were a piece of art with so much history. Everything in them tells a story about a saint or about the person who built it or painted it. If you ever go to Italy don’t forget to stop in Assisi.
On July 20th we all made our way to Warsaw, Poland for the part of the trip known as “Days in the Diocese.” This is designed to give pilgrims the experience of life in the Catholic communities in the WYD host country. I was so overwhelmed by the amount of excitement our host family expressed when they received us. I was a little nervous at first, but I soon realized I was extremely blessed to be staying with the Rutkowsk family. The food was all very delicious (I think I ate enough pastries for a lifetime in those five days). Not many people are willing to open their home doors to strangers like they did for us. The Rutkowsks became my family, too.
I loved being able to start each day in Warsaw with Mass. It made me feel at peace and it allowed me to be present in each moment, and to not worry about my responsibilities back in the USA. After Mass we would take tours of the city. Warsaw is so beautiful and magical. Old town Warsaw has to be one of the most colorful and clean cities I have seen.
After Warsaw we moved on to Krakow, Poland. It was at this stop on our trip that we visited the site of the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz. It is hard to believe a place like this ever existed, but the reality is so much more horrible than how the history books tell it. To see the pictures of the 1.1 million kids, women (some were pregnant), men, and elders who were put to death there was devastating. Auschwitz was a sobering experience that has made me pray to God every day since I’ve been there for all of those experiencing this kind of terrible persecution. I ask God to please bring them peace and strength. I also realized that God has been very good to me and I thank him each day for it.
July 26th was the day I got to see the Pope. I don’t think I can put into words what it was like to have him ten feet away from me. He is a sight to remember. He is the definition of what humble is. He was so thankful for the amount of young people who have faith and practice their Catholic religion. One of the Holy Father’s remarks that will always stick with me was “It upsets me to meet 23, 24, and 25 year-old young adults who believe their life is over and they just stick to something for comfort. No matter how old you are, you are our future and you have to strive to make a difference.”
Those words spoken by someone I admire deeply, and who represents all I believe in, made me think my life over.
Finally it was pilgrimage day. I will be honest and say that I thought about not walking those 12 miles to the Mass site, or having to sleep outdoors and using Porta Potties for a whole day. But I am also being honest in saying that it was a beautiful experience that I will never forget. Walking those 12 miles and carrying sleeping bags, canned food and other supplies was so difficult, and the only thing that helped me continue was praying the Rosary. But it was all worth it. Sleeping under the stars with three million people who had so much faith, you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. All together this World Youth day trip was a time that will forever be cherished in my heart.
Ashley Elizabeth Limon is a parishioner of Holy Innocents Parish in Victorville.