Paul VI became pope in 1963. During his pontificate, he traveled
to five continents, meeting with people of various religions. He became the
first pope to address the United Nations. Following his example of religious
travel, 18 students and 14 adults from St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax
traveled to Rome for his canonization in October.
There were many opportunities for the students to grow in and
experience their faith firsthand. They touched the World Youth Day Cross
blessed by Pope John Paul II. They saw relics, such as pieces said to be from
Jesus’ manger, his cross, and the table from the Last Supper.
“It was very surreal to be so close to the manger Jesus was born
in, and I could really feel His presence,” said junior Rebecca DuBois.
A replica of the Shroud of Turin helped students imagine the
reality of what Jesus went through and the importance of their faith. They were
advised to “pray big” during the trip, and that is just what they did.
They were able to pray at the tombs of many saints including
Peter, Paul, Catherine of Siena, and Ignatius of Loyola. During a daytrip to
Assisi, they also were able to pray at the tombs of Sts. Francis and Clare.
They visited the tomb of and learned about Antonietta Meo. She
passed away at age 6 after extreme sufferings that she offered to God, revealed
through her beautiful letters. If canonized, she will be the youngest
non-martyr to become a saint.
Father Stephen J. Schultz, chaplain, offered Mass at the tomb of
St. Peter in the Vatican grotto. Here, the pilgrims also were given the
opportunity to pray at the tomb of the school’s namesake, Pope Paul VI.
All of these amazing opportunities allowed the pilgrims to grow
closer as a school community. “I was able to share the great experience of
witnessing God with all of my classmates and be connected with them on a
spiritual level,” said junior Kara Young.
Pope Paul VI was canonized Oct. 14 alongside Archbishop Oscar
Romero, Sister Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa, Sister Maria Katharina Kasper, Francesco
Spinelli, Vincent Romano and Nunzio Sulprizio.
“Thousands of people who came from all over the world were all so
happy, and it was just a great feeling to have everyone around you have so much
joy,” said sophomore Sophia Whitfield. “I enjoyed high-fiving everybody and
cheering.”
Pope Francis even gave the enthusiastic students a thumbs-up from
the popemobile as he circled St. Peter’s Square. It was the adventure of a
lifetime, one that will live on in not just the memories of those who attended,
but those of the whole Paul VI community.