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March 6, 2002
WYD 2002 to be first large international spiritual gathering since 9-11
Space still available on some World Youth Day pilgrimages from archdiocese
By Alwen Bledsoe
March 11 will mark the six-month anniversary of the most devastating attack on American soil. Among those who have sought to infuse memories of the attacks with hope are World Youth Day delegates who recently saturated ground zero with their prayers.
Feb. 25 a 13-foot cross stood above the rubble that was once the World Trade Centers. Pope John Paul II entrusted the cross to the world's youth at the first World Youth Day in 1984 and asked that it be carried across the world as a sign of Christ's love for humanity. It reached New York Feb. 24.
After the cross was erected, visitors to the site joined an official WYD delegation including youth from several Canadian dioceses in a liturgy.
"Behold the cross of Christ: the place of suffering and death that has become the sign of our reconciliation with the Father," they recited.
Praying in French and English, the youth interceded for "all those throughout the world who endure senseless suffering and death," and especially for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
World Youth Day officials called the Feb. 24-25 trip to New York City a sign of hope to the United States and the world. The cross is currently traveling through Canada on its way to Toronto for the July 23-28 WYD.
Already over 100,000 people from 115 countries have registered for WYD. In Colorado many parishes have already filled all the spaces available for their trips to Toronto. Pilgrimages have been organized by the Archdiocese of Denver, several Colorado parishes, and the Catholic Community of the Beatitudes with the Frassati Society of Denver, a Catholic young adult outdoor club.
In the wake of last year's attacks, World Youth Day's emphasis on international unity could bring healing, said Danielle Martin, youth director at St. John the Baptist in Longmont, which is organizing a pilgrimage to Toronto with Risen Christ and St. Thomas More parishes.
"It's a peace thing," she said. "We all come together because we all love God and all believe in the same faith."
Though the Olympics also drew an international audience, WYD will be the first large international spiritual gathering since the attacks, she added.
"It has a different dimension that will bring the potential for healing, especially for the people who are going and potentially for the rest of the world who's watching," Martin said.
Those who have taken groups to previous World Youth Days say the international scope of the event leaves an indelible mark on young Catholics.
"It's transforming in terms of the way they see their faith and how big it is," said Mark Constancio, director of youth and Christian Initiation at Our Lady of Fatima, which is also sponsoring a pilgrimage.
About 110 youth from the Greeley and Loveland area will be traveling to Toronto on a trip sponsored by St. Mary, St. Peter and Our Lady of Peace in Greeley and St. John in Loveland, said Patrick Smith, director of youth ministry at St. Mary.
"For most kids it's a very profound experience of the universal Church," he said. "I think they really get a sense that the Church is bigger than the area they've been raised in and have a real sense of how as Roman Catholics we're united under the pope."
A few organizations still have spaces available on their trips to Toronto. The Frassati Society of Denver and the Catholic Community of the Beatitudes is offering one-week and two-week packages, both for $825, which includes transportation, simple accommodations, registration fees, and all meals, according to Peter Braam, president of the Frassati Society of Denver. The two-week package includes a trip to the Peterborough diocese in Canada and a day with the diocese's Bishop Leonard Doyle. Canoeing and hiking in Algonquin Provincial Park and sightseeing will also be included. Ages 18-35 are welcome. Those under 18 will have to register with a legal chaperone. Deadline is March 27. For more information call Peter Braam at 303-757-1817, ext. 4.
Our Lady of Fatima is also still accepting pilgrims. It will take a side trip to Buffalo, N.Y., and Niagra Falls and runs from July 19-29. Cost is $1,340 and is all-inclusive. Deadline is May 15. Ages 16-40 are welcome. Call Mark Constancio at 303-233-1283 or e-mail at markconstancio@attbi.com.
The archdiocese's trip will also include sightseeing and a visit to Niagra Falls. It runs from July 20-29. Cost is $1,425 and includes airfare, ground transportation, housing, breakfasts and dinner, admission fees and WYD stipends. Contact Jason Soltis at 303-715-3245 or at jason.soltis@archden.org for more information.
Catholic News Service contributed to this story.
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