ITALY, Federico Bauml. They are hundreds of young men and women between the ages of 15 and 24, coming from all parts of Argentina (Buenos Aires, Tucumán, Salta, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Mar del Plata and Jujuy) with a very precise destination: World Youth Day in Madrid. Their trip could not lack a visit to the eternal city. Three of them – Vicky, Hagui, and Fran – stopped to chat, giving us some of their impressions.
The trip’s program
Madrid is only the last stage of a beautiful trip – interior and exterior – which these youngsters are facing. It is a trip which required and still requires profound preparation.
It is a trip which will take them to Rome, then to Dachau – sadly a famous place for having been the headquarters of a concentration camp during Nazi time and to which Father Kentenich was also sent – and finally to Schoenstatt, a corner of paradise by the Rhine where everything began on that 18th of October 1914.
For almost all of them, it is their first time in Europe. There are also some “veterans” who have already been on the old continent because of family or perhaps for having participated in other World Youth Days, especial in Cologne. Accompanying them on this trip are Father Facundo Bernabei and Father Tommy Nin Nitchel, assisted in their work by the indespensable presence of some Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary.
All roads lead to Rome
To the question “did you like Rome?” the answer seems obvious, no stranger exists who does not fall in love with this city. In part it is this way, but it is always beautiful to hear about the city from someone who sees it with different eyes, giving attention to details which escape the glance of those who live there daily. And in this way, we hear others speak in ecstasy about a sensational city, full of history, with streets which all appear the same and where it is easy to get lost (and in a certain way it is worthwhile)…..listening to them even makes the traffic seem pleasant!
We were at Mass at St. Peter’s and at St. Paul’s, but what attracted them most was, without a doubt, the possibility of visiting the “Redemptoris Matrer” chapel, one of the three pontifical chapels of the Apostolic Palace, loved by John Paul II…..a visit which seems to be a true gift linked to the fact that among the artists of the beautiful chapel is the uncle of one of the boys.
On Wednesday, our friends from Argentina allowed themselves a side trip. They went to see Assisi, the city of St. Francis.
Between visits, there was also time for a most pleasant supper in “our” parish of the Holy Patrons. It was a good way of being together and for getting to know each other better. It was also a good opportunity for a brief, but intense, visit to the Via Aurelia Antica Shrine, a true pearl of this city.
What do you expect of WYD?
The answer to this question is unanimous. The hope is to experience a fantastic adventure and to meet other youths who share the same ideals, the same faith, of “seeking Christ who is in each person we encounter.” And then another wish, to see the Pope in person.
Often, those of us who live in Italy – especially in Rome – take for granted the presence of the Holy Father since he is only a few kilometers away from our home, and to know that there are persons disposed to cross a continent to be able to see him from afar and perhaps catch his gaze…..this can only be useful to invigorate and nourish our faith.
The only thing left is to thank the youngsters who have given us this type of “interview” and to wish the entire group a splendid continuation of their trip.
See you in Madrid! See you later!
