TheCompass: Green Bay pilgrims return from World Youth Day

The theme of this year's World Youth Day was from Paul's Letter to the Colossians, "Planted and built in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith." The 26 pilgrims who represented the Diocese of Green Bay at World Youth Day carried this theme with them as they returned home late Tuesday night after 10 days in Madrid, Spain. Although they were weary, spirits were high and faith affirmed from the vivid memories they took home.

The group participated in the official WYD events, as well as hearing speakers such as Fr. Robert Barron, Jason and Crystalina Evert, Vicki Thorn and Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, England. They also enjoyed day trips to Avila and Toledo, two other Spanish cities rich in history and the Catholic faith.

Eric DeMeuse, 20, of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Hillsdale College, was among the majority who were affected most by the final two days of the celebration consisting of an overnight vigil and morning Mass at Cuatro Vientros. Neither the afternoon heat nor an evening storm deterred anyone from the camaraderie and enthusiasm built up through the days leading to that event.

"Saturday night adoration was so beautiful," DeMeuse noted. "To be there with 1.5 million people and the Holy Father, all silent before the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, is something I will never forget."

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