Experiencing World Youth Day in Krakow 2016

Recently, 27 youths and young adults from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kingstown attended the 30th World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland with over 1.5 million pilgrims from over 190 different countries.

This group of youths and young adults was led by Diocesan Youth coordinator Tamiko Browne, priest – Fr Rex Ramos and chaperone Anastasia Bascombe-Francois. Youths from the Roman Catholic Diocese spent 14 days in Wroclaw and Krakow, Poland for the 2016 World Youth Day with Pope Francis.{{more}}

The teens and their chaperones visited significant historical sites, did acts of mercy by visiting sites such as orphanages, performed a Vincentian cultural piece of song and dance in the city square, took in the culture of the Polish people and were treated to the hospitality of the Ursuline nuns.

Pope Francis called on all young people to say yes to Christ: “Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him! Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love, which also demands sacrifice.”

After making the 14km walk back to their accommodation, which involved walking in heavy rain, the pilgrimage group was able to spend some time in retreat in the picturesque convent of the Ursuline sisters.

On August 1, the pilgrims were now set to leave Poland. But before their departure, the youths were taken on a tour of Auschwitz, where over one million Jews were murdered.

The participants experienced both serious, profound and prayerful moments, as well as joy, camaraderie and friendship of people from so many places in the world.

Pope Francis announced during the closing mass that the next World Youth Day will be held in Panama in 2019.