Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 16, 2000
Local youth in Rome for World Youth Day 2000
By Mary Manley
After years of spiritual preparation and parish fundraising, some 700 Colorado youth and their chaperones are in Rome this week, joining the estimated 1.5 million young participants in World Youth Day 2000.
Pope John Paul II will welcome youths from 70 countries, Aug. 15-20, for the seventh international World Youth Day. Similar to World Youth Day in Denver, the event will include numerous catechetical talks, prayer gatherings and masses, leading up to an all-night vigil before the closing Mass with the Holy Father.
Youth groups from Our Lady of Fatima in Lakewood and St. Mary of Littleton united to send 43 pilgrims on a 17-day tour on an itinerary that includes Milan, Padua, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Assisi, Vatican City, Rome and Pompeii. The tour will visit sacred places such as the Catacombs of San Callisto, the Sistine Chapel, as well as historical sites such as Pisa's Leaning Tower and the Roman Colosseum.
Mark Constancio, youth director at Our Lady of Fatima, has served in his leadership role since shortly before the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver. A second-generation American Italian who has visited Italy before, he told the Register he wants the youth to "have the trip of a lifetime."
"We will have an opportunity to witness the breadth and depth of Catholicism and to experience the history of our faith in a festive atmosphere," added Constancio.
Vicky Maez-Rauzi, St. Mary School nurse and parish social concerns coordinator, is coordinating the parish's 12-member contingent. Maez-Rauzi stated that it was initially her son Brett's idea to sign on for the trip.
"He has always been fascinated with Pope John Paul II," she explained. "I wanted to come along, in part, so that we could have a good bonding experience before he heads off to high school.
"Also, the overall Jubilee Justice theme really strikes a ministerial cord with me," she continued. "I am looking ahead to all of our trip experiences, including the WYD Vigil, from which we'll share lasting memories together."
Mark Krick and his wife, Sarah, are volunteering as chaperones with Our Lady of Fatima group. In their 20's, the couple told the Register they are excited for a number of reasons.
"It will be exciting to see an incredible universality of our faith with the diversity of people and how they express their faith," said Mark. "The food will be great, too," he joked.
Nancy Vu, a native of Vietnam, who is a parishioner at Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs in Wheat Ridge, will also travel as a chaperone with her children, Diana and Michael.
"I have a very hectic life and while I know that this is not a vacation, it still is a time for spiritual reflection, development and renewal," said Vu.
Cara Fagnant, a youth from St. Mary Parish, expressed excitement about the journey.
"Most of all, I'm looking forward to sharing my faith with others and find it amazing that so many people from different cultures can come together and unite for the same purpose," she said.
Cara's brother Nick, a Regis High School junior who is also on the World Youth Day trip, added, "I'm excited about taking my knowledge of world history and of Church history and doctrines to an environment with millions who share these passions," he said.
Amanda Constancio and Laura Warren, two long-time friends who are Fatima parishioners and Mullen High School freshmen, gave some interesting insights as well.
Amanda Constancio, Mark's daughter who is a student at Mullen High School, will make the trip with her sister, Kristin, a Mullen sophomore.
"Italy is the Number One country I've wanted to visit," she said. "Being in the same city with the Pope and celebrating with Him and with people of the same faith will be amazing. The trip memories will last forever."
Laura Warren, also a Mullen student, added, "The trip will be a good time to explore our faith and to figure out who we are as individuals."
Joe Bernatchez, Ridgeway High School freshman, said, "I really plan to enjoy touring the country and will benefit on three levels- spiritually, mentally, and physically."
Brett Rauzi, Mullen High School freshman, said, "I am taking this pilgrimage to enhance my spiritual well-being and to visit my dad's paternal ancestral homeland. I hope to make many new friends on this once-in-a-lifetime journey."
Mary E. Manley, a feature writer, and her two daughters are St. Mary parishioners. They are on the pilgrimage. Interested parties may follow the pilgrims by accessing the St. Mary website: www.stmarylittleton.org. They may send messages to the tour participants as well.
