ND Students in Spain for WYD - Pilgrim Reflection No.4!

By Pilgrim Jessica Nohra

What a note to end on!

Our brilliant pilgrimage was finally concluded by the WYD week in Madrid, Spain. I don't think Madrid city knew what had hit it when a flood of pilgrims including 3,000 Aussies stormed its streets by day and by night.
Our time in Israel had just flown by and for me was extremely tough since I had one less able leg, yet what an enormous blessing it was. I truly believe we all received an overflowing of graces from Our Lord while praying
at holy places such as the Holy Sepulchre. After a three hour flight to Spain we were all ready to hit our beds rather than the loud streets of Madrid. Yet I think adrenaline kept us all going strong!

The week of WYD  included a huge Aussie gathering, catechesis every morning led by Bishops from around the world, daily Mass, culture festivals, a Vocation expo topped off by lots of Tapas and Sangria!
For me the week was about growing in fellowship with those I was on pilgrimage with and also developing a deeper love for Our Lord and His Church.

At the final vigil on Saturday night we became soaked, after a summer rain decided it would show its face after a whole week of clear skies, yet with two million other wet pilgrims around you who was complaining!
The next morning we awoke and readied ourselves for Sunday Mass which was celebrated by the Pope with over 2 million people. For me this was a clear image of the universal church;
people from all different walks of life coming together to celebrate the same thing - the suffering, death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ - the Mass!
So I would like to thank you all for your prayers and ask you to continue to pray for the fruits of WYD in all the young people who attended and especially in Spain.
God Bless x