Page 50 - 2016 Yearbook

All of Victoria’s under-18 pilgrims. Ruth De Ravel De L’Argentiere and Eilidh Murray
World Youth Day – Krakow 2016 en route to Poland.

O n July 22, Ms Kathy Daly, Eilidh Murray and I left for Poland.

This trip had been in the making since last year and the
pilgrims’ excitement could almost be felt as we gathered at
Melbourne Airport. World Youth Day was started in 1985 by Pope
John Paul II, for Christian youth to come together to celebrate
their faith. Our trip was tiring but I learnt so much about my faith.
I cannot describe the feeling when there are millions of people
in one city for the same purpose, for the same faith. Though, for
me, the event was not life-changing, my strengthened faith was
enough. During the pilgrimage being able to share the doubts
and joys of my faith, with not only priests and leaders, but also
with people my own age, has helped me.
During my journey, a highlight was seeing the Pope drive past
a metre and a half away, while en route to our vigil. It was a
jaw-dropping moment and I remember feeling so happy and
ready to walk the 26 kilometres to where we were sleeping that
night. A picture I took of the Pope as he Eilidh Murray and
drove by. Ruth De Ravel De L’Argentiere at the
Arriving home on August 5 was a relief. However, I was Australian celebration.
disappointed that this incredible experience had ended and
it took weeks for life to return to normal. My pilgrim family has
become an important addition to my life, and I feel blessed
to have formed these relationships through such a unique
adventure.
The journey was a blast, and though it is called World Youth Day
I believe people of all ages should experience the joy of such an
absolute faith-changing journey.
Ruth De Ravel De L’Argentiere

My large group “Sticky Rice”. The Vigil.

46