ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE DELEGATION JOURNAL

Cody from St. Ann: Today was not as difficult as I had anticipated. It was still a long hard day. But, more importantly, today was a day of heart.

A long grueling walk... no real food ... and flaring tempers. These were some of the things which I was concerned I might expect along the way. As you may know, today was the actual pilgrimage of World Youth Day.

We started out at the USA Mass held at the park. It was a great beginning. Everyone was excited to worship early in the morning. We left for the pilgrimage walk - it was much shorted than I had anticipated. About 4 or 5 kilometers and it only took about 2 hours. Along the way was where I first witnessed heart - the heart to continue on, the heart of everyone around you, all so caring and loving. Most apparent was the heart and presence of Christ in the atmosphere. Just the feeling was amazing - songs praising Jesus, chants and the unification of cultures. We are all one Church. We are signs that God is truly with us.

The other sign of heart was after we had arrived an made camp. It was time for the vigil with the Pope. All you could see was hundreds of thousands of candles - all representing one Church. To see the heart of the Church unified in prayer with the Holy Father was simply breathtaking. All of this as well as the joy foud inside my own heart made today a highlight and one to be remembered.

Megan from St. Louis: A long hike, a huge backpack, singing, dancing, trading stuff. What's that sound like to you? It sounds like a pilgrimage to me.

It began with waking up early and loading up on some carbs and eggs, and for some if us, baked beans and spaghetti, for breakfast. Then we piled our heavy backpacks on our backs and made our way to the Domain for the United States mass celebrated with about 5 bishops from around America. It was fun celebrating with the USA delegation and singing with our wonderful musicians.

Then, after a brief snack/ water break, we began the grueling hike to Randwick Racecourse where we would be sleeping the night. The hike was preety hard starting out, trying to get all of us from the Baltimore delegation to stay together. It was pretty sunny and hot and we felt a burning in our calves going up the steep roads to get there. Tired as we were, we pushed on, encouraging one another, and making sure we all drank water as we walked. It was really nice to hear people singing and it was fun talking to one another. I found strength during the hike by listening to father Gus break out into a song about carrying our loads and walking in the name of the Lord.

Today, I learned that no matter how hard something is, you can find strength in others. I felt this strength in others around me and I hope I continue to feel this as we conclude this wonderful expereince of World Youth Day.