World Youth Day 2023 was a vibrant and momentous gathering that brought together thousands of young people from across the globe. Held in a spirit of unity and celebration, there was a unique platform for cultural exchange, religious exploration, and personal growth.
Reflecting on not only World Youth Day but also the pilgrimage Aotearoa had, there were many blessings and highlights I encountered. I loved being able to share my culture with our ropu through teaching them the Haka and also the small Te Reo Māori lessons I taught. The spiritual connections I had with people felt amazing. I loved that there were so many like me who shared the Love for the Lord.
My most loved memory during this Hikoi of faith was in Lourdes. While I was there, I could feel the miracles that have happened in the past. I could feel the love Our Lady has for us and the Mamae (hurt) she takes off our hands every day. On our final evening in Lourdes, it started to rain during the Candlelight procession and the sky lit up with lightning. From the sky fell massive cubes of hail and then all of a sudden it stopped and in one corner of the sky there was a bright reddish /pinkish light and the lightning continued. At first I had no clue what it was until I had a korero with my mum about it and she reminded me that before Our Lady Mother Mary appeared to many there was lightning, rain, hail and storm in the sky before she appeared. This was another amazing experience we all received during our time in Lourdes.
There was a simple kind of beauty in Lourdes and my faith multiplied during my time there.
During the World Youth Week there were many amazing experiences. The life in the city multiplied and so did the different cultures. One of my highlights during World Youth Week was the welcoming of Papa Francisco and seeing the love and respect people have for him. Seeing the thousands of people who share one common love (The Lord) was amazing.
I would like to say a massive Ngā Mihi to the many people who supported me to get here and the prayers and love I received before coming. Also a massive Mihi to the planning team (Alex Bailey, Sam Brebner Grace Challies, Father Michael Therese and Louise Lloyd). I would also like to Mihi to Bishop Michael Gielen, Father Monty Bamford and Father Tien from Aotearoa. I would also like to say a massive Mihi to Sister Hope and Brother Ignace who joined us in France. It was amazing to meet so many people who inspire the church.
I can’t wait for the next one.
