A journey of faith for the youth of the world

By ALLISON DUNFIELD, PHOTOGRAPHS by LOUIE PALU, The Globe and Mail
Wednesday, July 24, 2002

A six-part series

Saturday: The pope we never knew Monday: The changing of the flock Tuesday: Worldly travel aids spiritual journey Wednesday: A journey of faith for the youth of the world Thursday: 'This event, it's for the young people' Saturday: The many faces of John Paul II

Groups of pilgrims, speaking a variety of languages, gathered outside the station to chat or eat hot dogs purchased from street vendors. Some participants, such as a group from Sri Lanka, travelled up to 24 hours by airplane to get to Toronto.

Others, including 16 high school students from Warrane College in Sydney, Australia, arrived earlier in the month. The 15- and 16-year-olds spent about a week in Mexico teaching English and painting classrooms. But they were clearly excited to be in Toronto, wrapping themselves in the Australian flag and shouting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oy, oy, oy!" for television crews.

A large group of young people from three parishes in Ottawa, Ohio, said they were going to spend some time visiting local museums; one group from Croatia wanted directions to the CN Tower.

For others, gathering in Toronto meant an opportunity to meet people from other cultures and participate in a week of concerts, catechism and other activities to celebrate their faith.

Henry Araujo, 37  Lagunas, Venezuela "[I wanted to attend] because I felt a really really strong pull from the Pope and from the Holy Spirit, and the church, also. I saw him before, from a distance ... in Rome, 2000. The first time I saw the Pope was back at home in Venezuela. It's very emotional, it has a very nice vibration." (Through an interpreter)

Aida Aviles, 37  San Juan, Puerto Rico "I saw [John Paul II] in Rome last year. He is very spiritual. He gave me peace, and the experience was incredible. [I admire his peace, his spirituality; it's special. [When he dies] the movement is going to continue because he has given us a message. He has left something very strong here. Besides creating this kind of activity, he has created some kind of revolution worldwide, recognizing the Catholicism." (Through an interpreter)

Guiseppe Cargianiello, 21  Latina, Italy "I saw the Pope the last World Youth Day, during the Jubilee. We came here because we want to have an experience with our faith with the youth of the world, not just Italian youth. I came here to experience other cultures within the same faith. I want to feel all united under one house in the church of the world. I feel that Catholicism is still very strong in the world. Currently, I feel that this Pope and the religion now is more open to other religions than ever before. There's a greater tolerance." (Through an interpreter)

Zac Uledorf, 14  Ottawa, Ohio "I just want to see the Pope. That's the main reason I came. Because I heard it's really inspirational to see the Pope. It's exciting. [I've seen him] just on TV. I think he's like, a hero. Because, he's why I come to church, kind of. He's the head of the church. I hope to have a lot of fun. I hope to party a lot, have a lot of fun. That's why I came, basically."

Alice Power, 17  Williamstown, Stradbally, Ireland "In his time, he's done a whole lot of really good work. he gives his perspective on certain issues, especially with the Northern Irish issue which is a big issue in Ireland. Love one another, love yourself, really -- I think that's what he represents a lot of. Which should be very well known, but unfortunately, it isn't with many people,. but with the people I've met so far, it's a big, big issue."

Father Thor Villacarlos  Laguna, Phillipines "Although he is sick right now, [the Pope] really wants to be with the youth, the youth of the world. When I saw him in Manila, in 1995, I was just in the first year of my priesthood, so I was crying when I saw him. ... To see a holy person, you feel so much privilege. There's so much joy. I was really so glad. And hopefully I will see him at the papal mass." (Through an interpreter)