And 'in the clouds' with Christ
Prayers before departure...
Monday, July 22, 2013
*WYD2013 Pilgrims
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
The SEPI group pose underneath the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the bay in Rio de Janeiro.
By Maria and Ronald Rivas
Prince of Peace Parish
God will always exceed our expectations. This past week was a testament to that. After storming heaven with prayers, hours spent planning and lots of hard work, the day we had been waiting for is finally here...
We're on our way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for World Youth Day 2013. The week leading up to the trip was nothing less than extraordinary. Blessing after blessing was received.
Our week began with a commissioning Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski on Tuesday, and ended Friday with a Mass to bless the pilgrims attending the event, followed by Lectio Divina and time for fellowship at our home parish of Prince of Peace.
We were humbled by everyone's presence. So many people took time out of their Friday night to pray with us before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament while we meditated on his word.
Now, we set out on this pilgrimage to receive the message Christ has for us through his holiness, Pope Francis, so that we may share the Good News and as one walk together towards holiness.
‘In the clouds’ with Christ
By Laura Lopez
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
In honor of World Youth Day, a young pilgrim offers free hugs.
We're on our way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for World Youth Day 2013. The week leading up to the trip was nothing less than extraordinary. Blessing after blessing was received.
Our week began with a commissioning Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski on Tuesday, and ended Friday with a Mass to bless the pilgrims attending the event, followed by Lectio Divina and time for fellowship at our home parish of Prince of Peace.
We were humbled by everyone's presence. So many people took time out of their Friday night to pray with us before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament while we meditated on his word.
Now, we set out on this pilgrimage to receive the message Christ has for us through his holiness, Pope Francis, so that we may share the Good News and as one walk together towards holiness.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
The SEPI group pray during Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Rio de Janeiro.
By Laura Lopez
SEPI
Greetings from Rio! Today we arrived, 22 pilgrims from Miami, of various nationalities, representing the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), which is the Regional Office of the Catholic Bishops of the Southeastern United States for Hispanic Ministry.
It's been a long day, but the exhaustion has definitely been worth it. There are still many more pilgrims to come, but along the way we met volunteers and pilgrims from various countries such as Chile, Peru, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. We really feel like a family, and the happiness and joy are palpable.
On the streets of Rio, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. It is obvious that the city has been preparing for this great event. We have been told that much of this week will be a holiday because of World Youth Day.
This afternoon we visited the impressive Corcovado and climbed up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. There, feeling like we were in the clouds, we raised a prayer to the Lord and were able to enter a small chapel that sits at the feet of Christ.
On our return, we went to Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, where we received a very warm welcome from the community. It is these encounters that allow us to experience firsthand one of the great beauties of our Church: we speak different languages, but we are one body in Christ. See you soon!
Greetings from Rio! Today we arrived, 22 pilgrims from Miami, of various nationalities, representing the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), which is the Regional Office of the Catholic Bishops of the Southeastern United States for Hispanic Ministry.
It's been a long day, but the exhaustion has definitely been worth it. There are still many more pilgrims to come, but along the way we met volunteers and pilgrims from various countries such as Chile, Peru, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. We really feel like a family, and the happiness and joy are palpable.
On the streets of Rio, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. It is obvious that the city has been preparing for this great event. We have been told that much of this week will be a holiday because of World Youth Day.
This afternoon we visited the impressive Corcovado and climbed up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. There, feeling like we were in the clouds, we raised a prayer to the Lord and were able to enter a small chapel that sits at the feet of Christ.
On our return, we went to Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, where we received a very warm welcome from the community. It is these encounters that allow us to experience firsthand one of the great beauties of our Church: we speak different languages, but we are one body in Christ. See you soon!
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
The SEPI group pose for a photo before leaving Miami for Rio.
