A Look Back On Our WYD Experience
To summarise WYD in a word, sentence of even a paragraph is impossible. As our Cardiff pilgrims arrived back into a rain soaked Wales it was evident to see the change in each and every one of them.
To summarise WYD in a word, sentence of even a paragraph is impossible. As our Cardiff pilgrims arrived back into a rain soaked Wales it was evident to see the change in each and every one of them.
It was another early start for the group as we all finished packing our backpacks and sleeping bags ready for the long walk and overnight stay at the vigil in Brzegi.
Today began with a trip to the Mercy Centre and Catechesis at Tauron Arena Krakow, for all English speaking pilgrims. Here we heard a variety of talks from a number of speakers.
It was a restful morning in the accommodation to start with for the group, with our first activity beginning at noon. This was a mass in our accommodation hallway given by Fr Richard who, as always, spoke positively and about the lessons from our pilgrimage and today’s gospel.
Today started early with a bus and tram journey to the St Pope John Paul II Sanctuary. As a group we spent the morning exploring and looking around the sanctuary.
After a late night of travelling and midnight feasts, the group was given a free morning, and everyone took full advantage of the late start! Most of our pilgrims took the opportunity to sleep late,
The day started with a very early wakeup call and breakfast. Breakfast was at 6am with everybody boarded on the bus and ready to leave at 7am, with some very tiered looking pilgrims!
Today was a day of local activities and a rest from bus travel. It started with mass in the local cathedral in Rozanymstoku. Every Sunday there are seven masses delivered and each one completely full with people seating, standing around the sides and even outside on the grass. Once again reminding us of the deep history and engagement with faith and religion in Poland.
To start the day we all gathered in the small chapel in the accommodation and had mass as a group in English. All the masses so far have been beautiful and reminded us of how multi – national the Catholic Church is. However, it was nice to celebrate mass alone as a group today and it made the experience very intimate and personal.
Today began with a journey to Sokolka for a number of organised activities. Upon arrival we were greeted by yet more friendly volunteers who welcomed us with flags and greeting signs. We started our day in Sokolka with a personal prayer and reflection at the Eucharistic miracle.