June 26, 2023
Young adults from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, to join in the 37th World Youth Day, Aug 1-6, a global gathering of young people with Pope Francis. It is the fourth time Pope Francis has presided at the international event. Already, more than 400,000 are registered to attend.
Father Joe Goldsmith
To tell the stories of how this journey impacts our youth, the Office of Communications will immerse with 16 young adults and parish leaders from our diocese who are traveling with Blue Eagle Ministries (BEM), led by spiritual director and group coordinator, Father Joe Goldsmith, pastor of the Catholic cluster located in Prince George, Dinwiddie and Hopewell.
BEM will merge with young adults from missionary and evangelizing teams — St. Paul’s Outreach (SPO), NET Ministries (National Evangelization Teams), and CEMPOC – Catholic Evangelical Missionary, based in Chester, which is dedicated to supporting minorities in their work of evangelization in the Roman Catholic Church.
We asked each of our pilgrims the following question:
How are you preparing spiritually for World Youth Day?
Ximena CarreonSt. Gerard, Roanoke“I’ve spent a lot of time praying and writing. I love writing and journaling my thoughts; since being given this opportunity I’ve been praying a lot for safety, guidance and wisdom, as well as for everyone who will be going to World Youth Day. Writing my thoughts and prayers has allowed me to reflect a lot on what this opportunity means to me. I’ve also been trying to walk a lot to be prepared for long walks we’ll be taking.”
Víctor AguilarSacred Heart, Richmond“I read stories from the Bible that have to do with helping others, i.e., the Good Samaritan, Jonah and the whale, etc. This gets me in the mindset of being a vessel for God on this trip.”
Elizabeth Correa“Prayer and having no expectations are how I have been preparing for World Youth Day. Prayer is essential to lift all of those putting on and attending the event. Having no expectations allows God to move and act in my life without my own will getting in the way. It’s helping me to receive whatever the Lord has planned.”
Carmen Milagros Chumpitazi O’Brien
Sacred Heart, Richmond
“Prayer, Mass, and prayer chain. Also, physically walking and also learning about the event.”
Omar PortilloSacred Heart, Richmond“I am preparing to be more focused and with my mind set on God.”
Nathalia Carreon
St. Gerard, Roanoke“I am preparing by praying and meditating. I am also learning new things about Our Lady of Fatima knowing that we will be going to where she appeared. Praying the rosary as much as I can.”
Beatriz Munoz MunozSt. Gerard, Roanoke“I’m preparing spiritually for the World Youth Day by prayer and the word of God from Scripture. Also, having the people of that country in my mind – especially the most needed is having God in my mind. I’m also excited to see people all around the world that share our Catholic — universal — faith.”
Mariano Lopez AldanaSt. Gerard, Roanoke“I am learning more about how I can help people get closer to God. I am also trying to participate more in Church and praying more.”
Mariana Munoz MunozSt. Gerard, Roanoke
“I am praying more with my husband and also trying to read more of the Bible and participate in Church. Thursday adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is my main source of strength.”
Olmer Pineda HernándezBlessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg
“A lot of reading. I was never a reader before I returned to the faith. It’s been a lot of praying as well, not only the need to just pray but be consistent, building stamina in prayer. I’ve definitely been praying the rosary a lot lately. It’s some tough prayer to work with, but the outcome is immensely great. The petitions and prayer help boost your confidence on being able to finish it. I haven’t learned all the mysteries, yet it’s a work in process step-by-step.”
Xóchitl Luis-Aguilar (“Sochill”)Sacred Heart, Richmond
“I am preparing by giving my time to people who need it.”
Maria Del Carmen Gonzalez-AguilarSt. Augustine, Richmond“I try to attend daily Mass and offer my prayers for this wonderful encounter with Jesus.”
Cristy Barton
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Newport News“Increased prayer and more intentional time before the Lord, praying for a successful trip and praying for successful stories of how the Lord works through Blue Eagle.”
Velsy Garcia-JimenezSacred Heart, Richmond“I am reading those reflections being sent in the Portugal group chat and also reading psalms, and having daily reflections about how I can better myself for this trip.”
Alma Aguilar PortilloSt. Augustine, Richmond
“I pray the holy rosary at night.”
Carolina del Rosario LunaSacred Heart, Richmond“I am preparing my heart to be able to offer the best of myself to other people and at the same time learn to receive with a grateful heart.”