Meet our World Youth Day pilgrims

On Tuesday the 4th of April, a group of Campion students gathered in the PDS Lecture Theatre to discuss their upcoming pilgrimages for World Youth Day.

This July, 17 students have chosen to travel with dioceses and religious groups close to either their hometown parishes or the College itself. They include the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Diocese of Parramatta, the Immaculata Mission Team, the Emmanuel community and the Opus Dei community. This will be the first World Youth Day experience for all our pilgrims. Our college chaplain, Fr Peter Kruk, will also be attending World Youth Day for the first time in the role of chaplain with the Diocese of Parramatta.

Two group leaders – Kiera and Andrew, both first year students – have been chosen to help rally the Campion students and provide opportunities for formation together before they set off on their respective pilgrimages.

"I had heard from many people how World Youth Day changed their life, from conversions, to finding vocations,” said Kiera.

"The sheer presence of so many Catholics my age for the celebration of faith is an indescribably fulfilling experience that I am excited to share with everyone who will be there. I am hoping to grow in my faith and understanding of our Lord and to make new connections with many young Catholics around the world."

"Andrew acknowledged this year’s World Youth Day theme - "Mary arose and went with haste" (Luke 1:39) – as an opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship alongside other pilgrims.

"WYD is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I have been blessed with,” he said. "I hope to deepen my faith, my devotion to Mary, and to develop friendships that will help me to grow in my love for the Church and for God."

We look forward to following our pilgrims in the coming months and throughout their time in Lisbon. Please keep Imogen, Ella, Pieta, Andrew, Clare, Colin, Jerome, Claire, Kiera, Maria, Patrick, Peter, Roch, Samuel, Zavier, Zoe and Joseph in your prayers.