If you’re Facebook friends with any teens in the area, don’t
be surprised to see their original photos of the Holy Father
in your newsfeed.
More than 600 local teens from 34 youth groups participated
in a pilgrimage organized by the diocesan Youth Ministry
Office to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia. Arriving late the
night of Sept. 25, the teens took part in the papal
activities on Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sept. 26 and Sept.
27.
Prior to Pope Francis’ Sept. 27 Mass, three teens from St.
Mary Church in Alexandria offered their comments about their
experience.
Anna Aguto, 15, a sophomore at Sidwell Friends School in
Washington, said the most exciting part of the pilgrimage was
“being in the presence of Pope Francis.”
“He radiates humility and love while delivering a simple
message,” she said. “He’s so personable. He even cracks
jokes. I’ve also loved spending all this time with people I
love (from my youth group).”
Aguto also took note of the throngs of other pilgrims.
“There’s everyone’s enthusiasm, too, saying things like ‘I
will jump over the fence to see Pope Francis.’ Everyone is so
excited and so nice,” she said.
Anna Johnson, 15, a sophomore at Bishop Ireton School in
Alexandria, said that what impressed her more than even
seeing Pope Francis was witnessing the community that had
gathered in Philadelphia.
“People were dancing in the streets,” she said. “The joy in
their faces was really beautiful – especially for the people
who had been camping out for hours. Here in Philly, we’re
unified as Catholics. We’re strangers, but people will act
like you’ve known them for a while.”
Maeze McCale, 17, a senior at Brookewood School in
Kensington, Md., said she never will forget the anticipation
she felt waiting to see Pope Francis.
“Nobody even comes close to the pope,” she said. “We had to
go through such intense security, but it didn’t matter
because just seeing him felt like a one-on-one experience.”
“It’s been so cool to see people here,” she added. “Some
people hate Pope Francis, but more people – most people –
love him.”
“The trip was quite beautiful; it has truly been a
pilgrimage,” said Natalie Plumb, digital and social media
coordinator for the Arlington Diocese, who shadowed St.
Mary’s youth group during the trip. “We are running on little
sleep. We staked-out for unpredictable wait times.
“But if you ask any teen here, he or she will tell you it was
worth it,” she added. “A good number of them screamed with
joy after seeing Pope Francis pass close-by in his
popemobile. As an adult, they inspire me with joy.”
Stoddard can be reached at [email protected].
