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Bianca Barajas 19 years old UTSA Student
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As the plane took off from San Antonio, I realized that I had no idea what to expect on my first pilgrimage. Needless to say, I had nothing to worry about, for the next two weeks would be full of memorable events that I continue to hold dear to my heart. From the moment we landed, the cameras never stopped flashing. Even though every picture we took is worth a thousand (if not more) words, they still couldn't capture the emotions and feelings we all experienced as we went from having mass with Pope Benedict XVI to visiting beautiful Basilicas that make you feel like an ant upon entering, but also give you a sense of belonging...a sense that you are a part of this wonderful community of people would live to spread God's love. And while pictures can give glimpses of the places we visited, they only scratch the surface on how much this pilgrimage affected each of our lives. Our smiles that were captured on film represent the happiness each one of us felt as we grew closer to each other and God on our two-week long journey. The most memorable part of the trip for me was attending the Vigil and Mass with the Pope. With a sea of the Christian Life Movement's trademark yellow hats engulfing St. Peter's Square, it was hard to miss our presence there. People from all over the world gathered together in peace, and it was here that I made friendships and bonds with people who taught me more about my faith and spirituality. "Don't be afraid": This was the recurrent theme of the trip, and I received constant guidance and advice from mentors and friends who continued to tell me this and to trust in God. I no longer needed all the answers to the questions I had been asking prior to this trip, and I became happy in the belief that God is my "designer" and I put my complete trust in Him. While I cannot fit everything that this pilgrimage has done for me in one paragraph, I do believe it is safe to say that Pentecost 2006 was an experience that will be engrained in our memories and hearts forever. |
