World Youth Day 2016 - Thank You Speech - Kristina Sergi
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24th July
Landing in Poland just a little behind schedule at 11.40am changed the course of the Pilgrimage for our Groups. Just before our plane landed a “suspicious” abandoned bag had been discovered in the airport. The ramifications of this were that we ended up being told to stay put. We waited more than two hours and eventually we were allowed to exit the airport and the area was declared safe. The police were everywhere and they took witness statements and forensic evidence which was very reassuring. Whilst it was a little scary the biggest disappointment was that we missed going to the Jasna Gora Shrine and the famous Black Madonna, for which I was devastated, but God had different plans for us. We arrived in Krakow way behind schedule and just in time to organise our rooms and get some well needed sleep. It was 11.30pm when I finally sent a text to my family to say I was safe. Long day ... and night!
25th July
Waking in beautiful Krakow I was keen to get out and about and take in the sights. Pilgrims from all over Australia have started to arrive and I have also met some Pilgrims from Nebraska USA! Exciting hey! Breakfast was a bagel, also known as the "beigel", which is a bread product originating in the Jewish communities of Poland. It is also known as the "Holy bagel". I could have eaten ten!
But, let me share with you the most amazing morning I have had. We celebrated Mass this morning in the John Paul II Cathedral. Amazing to stand in the very space that this inspirational Pope had celebrated many Masses .. it gives you goose bumps. What you may not know is that down stairs in this Cathedral is an unspeakable Religious treasure. Here you will be very much surprised to find the actual nails believed to have been used in the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. I cannot put into words how it felt. It reinforces the sacrifice Jesus made, the Passion and yet brutality of the act. And I forgot to mention that when I was in Rome I was also privileged enough to visit a catacomb where the wooden remains of the “manger” that Christ as a baby was placed. Mind blowing much?
I was disappointed about yesterday; however, I think we are so lucky to be here and I do feel safe. The prayers and intentions that I was scheduled to dedicate to the shrine of the Black Madonna I offered today during this Mass in the Cathedral of John Paul II as well as Praying both The Divine Mercy and The Rosary at the Divine Mercy Chaplet in Krakow, which is dedicated to St Faustyna Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, OLM, popularly spelled Faustina, who was a Roman Catholic Polish nun and mystic and one of the Patron Saints of WYD.
We are having a walk about and a bit of exploration this afternoon and going to the markets.
Tomorrow is the official Opening Mass with the Bishop of Poland. Another awe inspiring day beckons and gets us closer to the big day when we celebrate with our Pope.
God Bless to all and thank you for caring and asking about me and my travels at last Sunday's Mass and also on email. I am truly touched.
Kristina :)
Buon Giorno Tutti.... Okay, so forgive me but I am tired! It is 7.45 am here in Rome, I got up at 4 am and am now sitting in the international airport ready to leave for Poland.
We board soon so I had better be quick!
Rome has been overwhelming in many ways. I had lunch yesterday with Cardinal Pell, yes, you read that correctly. Someone in our tour group is related to him somehow so our group got to go along and meet him and have lunch together!
Just when you think you can't top an experience something else amazing presents itself.
The first morning in Rome was Friday. We were up early, 5 am, so that we could celebrate Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica, yes you read that correctly. You know the place near where the Pope lives? It is such a rare and special thing not to mention truly beautiful. Photographs just do not do it justice.
After Mass we met with our tour guide, Igor. We toured The Colosseum, the Roman ruins, The Roman Forum and The Piazza della Republica. We had lunch at the Pantheon followed by a tour of The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, or in Italian because everything sounds better in Italian, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
This Church was built in 1562 AD and if you don't know about it I recommend you read something on it, especially the "meridian line" and the impetus for the construction and dedication of the Church. After this we returned to The Vatican where we actually went into the Sistine Chapel. The "Last Judgement", Michelangelo's masterpiece sprawled across the ceiling was a surreal feast for my retinas. Many beautiful artworks filled my eyes but that is where they will have to stay as we were not allowed to photograph them.
The day finished with a tour of Saint Peter's Square, gelato and the fuzzy exhaustion that comes from such an amazing experience.
Blessed to report that it was also a very prayerful day.
I was honoured to say prayers for Fr Kim, Cecile Santos, Michelle Nouris, Pusong Family, Roth and Ricardo, Santina Piras, Luis Teixeira, several anonymous intentions and a personal prayer for my own family.
Yesterday, Saturday we attended Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli in the morning. In the afternoon we walked about Rome before having lunch with Cardinal Pell. (Who was taller in person than I thought he'd be).
We are being called to board our flight so I need to close. Next time I write I will be in Poland! First stop Warsaw and sometime today I will get to see and pray at the famous Black Madonna.
Ciao Italia! Dio vi benedica tutti or in English, God Bless you all! Kristina 😇
We board soon so I had better be quick!
Rome has been overwhelming in many ways. I had lunch yesterday with Cardinal Pell, yes, you read that correctly. Someone in our tour group is related to him somehow so our group got to go along and meet him and have lunch together!
Just when you think you can't top an experience something else amazing presents itself.
The first morning in Rome was Friday. We were up early, 5 am, so that we could celebrate Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica, yes you read that correctly. You know the place near where the Pope lives? It is such a rare and special thing not to mention truly beautiful. Photographs just do not do it justice.
After Mass we met with our tour guide, Igor. We toured The Colosseum, the Roman ruins, The Roman Forum and The Piazza della Republica. We had lunch at the Pantheon followed by a tour of The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, or in Italian because everything sounds better in Italian, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
This Church was built in 1562 AD and if you don't know about it I recommend you read something on it, especially the "meridian line" and the impetus for the construction and dedication of the Church. After this we returned to The Vatican where we actually went into the Sistine Chapel. The "Last Judgement", Michelangelo's masterpiece sprawled across the ceiling was a surreal feast for my retinas. Many beautiful artworks filled my eyes but that is where they will have to stay as we were not allowed to photograph them.
The day finished with a tour of Saint Peter's Square, gelato and the fuzzy exhaustion that comes from such an amazing experience.
Blessed to report that it was also a very prayerful day.
I was honoured to say prayers for Fr Kim, Cecile Santos, Michelle Nouris, Pusong Family, Roth and Ricardo, Santina Piras, Luis Teixeira, several anonymous intentions and a personal prayer for my own family.
Yesterday, Saturday we attended Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli in the morning. In the afternoon we walked about Rome before having lunch with Cardinal Pell. (Who was taller in person than I thought he'd be).
We are being called to board our flight so I need to close. Next time I write I will be in Poland! First stop Warsaw and sometime today I will get to see and pray at the famous Black Madonna.
Ciao Italia! Dio vi benedica tutti or in English, God Bless you all! Kristina 😇
Tomorrow we head to Poland please check the schedule below to see what we are doing.
I will try to add some pictures and details for you.. if not check out the live streaming at:
http://www.xt3.com/live/
all details are on the Live Webcast tab added to the home page.
More to follow.. God Bless... Hot in Rome today:)
Wednesday and Thursday... 20th and 21st of July...
If you have never been to Italy what I am about to say will make you green with envy. If you have been to Italy, you will be able to understand and appreciate the magnificence and beauty that is embedded not only in the culture and people but in every religious monument.
Yesterday we had a walking tour of some areas of Assisi, including the most humbling experience of visiting the Basilica of St Francis. Our day started with a Mass in the Lower Basilica, where the remains of Saint Francis are held. It was here over 800 years ago this remarkable and inspiring Saint began the Order of the Minor Friars.
The upper Basilica is filled with art works by Giotto painted in the 1300's. Awe inspiring frescoes and iconic images....they are there right in front of you, no glass, no ropes to stop people reaching out. Just a sense of true religious respect and reverence. It is hard to imagine a place so steeped in History when you live in Australia which is such a young country.
Assisi, enclosed by 'ramparts' (being defensive walls of a castle or walled city, which have a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet) has virtually been unchanged since the Middle Ages sprawling across the slopes of Monte Subasi, is a Historic time capsule.
On our walking tour we saw many churches, one church dated back to 1000 AD, remarkable! We ended the day at St Clare's Basilica, the Saint who began the Order of Poor Clare's in about 1200 AD. After a prayerful day filled with many, many intentions (see the tab for all the details) we watched the sunset over Tuscany. Pinch me, how blessed am I?
After Mass today (this morning) we headed to the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli which is down in the foothills of Assisi, such a beautiful Church with a golden angel on top (see pics in the gallery). On the apse area of the Basilica is the Chapel of Transit or the "Cappella del Transito" where, it is said, Saint Francis, singing, welcomed death on October 3, 1226 AD. I was able to offer intentions here also, especially on behalf of Stephen Moran, Teresa Puggioni, Elsa & George and for Anonymous others also.
It gives me goose bumps to recall, so imagine - if you can - standing on the Holy ground where Saint Francis had greeted God as he passed from this world to Heaven, defies words.
The few hours left in the day took us to Roma by bus. Tomorrow we go to the Vatican:)
Ciao Tutti, fina alla prossima volta, Kristina 🙏
If you have never been to Italy what I am about to say will make you green with envy. If you have been to Italy, you will be able to understand and appreciate the magnificence and beauty that is embedded not only in the culture and people but in every religious monument.
Yesterday we had a walking tour of some areas of Assisi, including the most humbling experience of visiting the Basilica of St Francis. Our day started with a Mass in the Lower Basilica, where the remains of Saint Francis are held. It was here over 800 years ago this remarkable and inspiring Saint began the Order of the Minor Friars.
The upper Basilica is filled with art works by Giotto painted in the 1300's. Awe inspiring frescoes and iconic images....they are there right in front of you, no glass, no ropes to stop people reaching out. Just a sense of true religious respect and reverence. It is hard to imagine a place so steeped in History when you live in Australia which is such a young country.
Assisi, enclosed by 'ramparts' (being defensive walls of a castle or walled city, which have a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet) has virtually been unchanged since the Middle Ages sprawling across the slopes of Monte Subasi, is a Historic time capsule.
On our walking tour we saw many churches, one church dated back to 1000 AD, remarkable! We ended the day at St Clare's Basilica, the Saint who began the Order of Poor Clare's in about 1200 AD. After a prayerful day filled with many, many intentions (see the tab for all the details) we watched the sunset over Tuscany. Pinch me, how blessed am I?
After Mass today (this morning) we headed to the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli which is down in the foothills of Assisi, such a beautiful Church with a golden angel on top (see pics in the gallery). On the apse area of the Basilica is the Chapel of Transit or the "Cappella del Transito" where, it is said, Saint Francis, singing, welcomed death on October 3, 1226 AD. I was able to offer intentions here also, especially on behalf of Stephen Moran, Teresa Puggioni, Elsa & George and for Anonymous others also.
It gives me goose bumps to recall, so imagine - if you can - standing on the Holy ground where Saint Francis had greeted God as he passed from this world to Heaven, defies words.
The few hours left in the day took us to Roma by bus. Tomorrow we go to the Vatican:)
Ciao Tutti, fina alla prossima volta, Kristina 🙏
Tuesday 19th
Today was moving day. We packed our bags and headed to the beautiful region of Tuscany, where we visited Florence (Firenze) for about 4 hours.
We walked a fair way to the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore where we
celebrated Mass which was lead by our own Priest, Father Ben.
I sang with the choir today, which consisted of myself and two other students.
I prayed for the intention of Cory Cruz.
We once again were joined by a wonderful tour guide called Francesco.
He showed and told us about the history of Florence and the
Santa Croce Basilica and Museum where we visited the tombs of Galileo, Michealangelo and Dante! What a magnificent Church inside and out!
Whilst here, I prayed an intention for Antoinetti Issa.
We then had lunch and headed back to the bus for the rest of our trip to Assissi,
where we settled in, just in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
God Bless.
Kristina :)
(see more pics in the Gallery, pull down the tab, select Italy, enjoy)
Arriving in Venezia last night we celebrated Mass in the Centro Storico (old town) at
Chiesa di Santa Maria led by one of the clergy on the pilgrimage tour with us.
It was so beautiful - ancient frescoes, carvings, ornate altar, stained glass windows and devotionals.
It had only been 24 hours since we left Sydney but I felt transported to another world.
Today, 18th of July, we were up early and downstairs to have breakfast, keen to get out and see more of this beautiful city. This morning, we met with our local guide who took us on a walking tour via
Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square) and the San Marco Basilica (see picture above).
Breathtaking and awe inspiring doesn't even come close to describing it.
I felt moved by how ancient and how beautiful the frescoes are, the sense of History
and being in such a place of divine worship was a little overwhelming.
What a privilege to enjoy Mass here. I am so blessed.
I prayed hard several intentions (see the tab). I am feeling very humble and moved by the experience.
We also went to the Doges (the Latin name of the Ruler of the day when Venice was a Republic) Palace, rebuilt in the 1700's. The inside of the Palace is full of statues, oil paintings and amazing art with paintings by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese, to name a few.
We walked the Bridge of Sighs and of course, as is mandatory in Venice, rode the gondolas
and ate gelato (... I have included some pics in the gallery drop down menu for you to enjoy!).
An incredible two days here with the afternoon spent doing a few touristy things and admiring
all of the amazing architecture, statues, artworks, bridges and waterways.
Venice is such a beautiful city, full of such amazing places of deep faith.
Ciao Tutti.
Catch up in Florence & Assisi tomorrow!
God Bless You All ... Kristina :)
Chiesa di Santa Maria led by one of the clergy on the pilgrimage tour with us.
It was so beautiful - ancient frescoes, carvings, ornate altar, stained glass windows and devotionals.
It had only been 24 hours since we left Sydney but I felt transported to another world.
Today, 18th of July, we were up early and downstairs to have breakfast, keen to get out and see more of this beautiful city. This morning, we met with our local guide who took us on a walking tour via
Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square) and the San Marco Basilica (see picture above).
Breathtaking and awe inspiring doesn't even come close to describing it.
I felt moved by how ancient and how beautiful the frescoes are, the sense of History
and being in such a place of divine worship was a little overwhelming.
What a privilege to enjoy Mass here. I am so blessed.
I prayed hard several intentions (see the tab). I am feeling very humble and moved by the experience.
We also went to the Doges (the Latin name of the Ruler of the day when Venice was a Republic) Palace, rebuilt in the 1700's. The inside of the Palace is full of statues, oil paintings and amazing art with paintings by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese, to name a few.
We walked the Bridge of Sighs and of course, as is mandatory in Venice, rode the gondolas
and ate gelato (... I have included some pics in the gallery drop down menu for you to enjoy!).
An incredible two days here with the afternoon spent doing a few touristy things and admiring
all of the amazing architecture, statues, artworks, bridges and waterways.
Venice is such a beautiful city, full of such amazing places of deep faith.
Ciao Tutti.
Catch up in Florence & Assisi tomorrow!
God Bless You All ... Kristina :)
Well... look at how bright the sun is outside.... it is only 5.40 am and we have just landed in Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, in the Middle East, at Hamad International Airport. Last night, Sunday night at the Sydney International Airport was chaos.... so many Pilgrims, so many goodbyes. Finally, the first leg of the journey I have waited for so long was about to begin... it seems surreal. We headed out on a Qatar Airways, Boeing 777. Upon arriving in Doha, Qatar we will have a short stop over, change planes and then head direct to Venice. The flight times are pretty long.... 16 hours from Sydney to Doha, few hours stop over and after the plane change, a further 7 hours to reach Venice, and land at Marco Polo Internati onal Airport. We will arrive around lunch time, local time. Italy is 8 hours behind Sydney.
We will celebrate Mass tonight in the 'old town' (Centro Storico) and then tomorrow, we have a walking tour around Venice with a celebration Mass at San Marco Basilica ... So exciting. I'm a little tired so I'd better get some sleep on this next leg.... ready to greet Italy with a big smile and have my first full day in Venezia!
Ciao Tutti.
God Bless. Kristina :)
1 more sleep to go!
How exciting, I can't believe that this time tomorrow I would have already taken off and be on my way to Venice! These holidays have gone so fast.
Today the offical video for the Commissioning Mass was released (I have added a linked to it below.) One of my bus members was actually interviewed for the video. I found the interviews so interesting as all the young pilgrims spoke so articulately and passionately about what they believe in. I am looking forward to meeting many of them in Krakow!
Yesterday I went over to the parish to say goodbye to Fr Kim before I left for World Youth Day. He generously gave me some Euros as spending money whilst I am overseas. He is such a kind and generous man and I could never thank him and the parish enough for the support they have given me in the lead up to World Youth Day.
Well... next time I write I will be in Italy!
Till next time!
God bless,
Kristina :)
How exciting, I can't believe that this time tomorrow I would have already taken off and be on my way to Venice! These holidays have gone so fast.
Today the offical video for the Commissioning Mass was released (I have added a linked to it below.) One of my bus members was actually interviewed for the video. I found the interviews so interesting as all the young pilgrims spoke so articulately and passionately about what they believe in. I am looking forward to meeting many of them in Krakow!
Yesterday I went over to the parish to say goodbye to Fr Kim before I left for World Youth Day. He generously gave me some Euros as spending money whilst I am overseas. He is such a kind and generous man and I could never thank him and the parish enough for the support they have given me in the lead up to World Youth Day.
Well... next time I write I will be in Italy!
Till next time!
God bless,
Kristina :)
Today was the commissioning Mass for the World Youth Day Pilgrims from Sydney. It was held at Saint Mary's Cathedral and was co-celebrated by the Archbishop and all the Priests, Deacons and Seminaries many of which are accompanying pilgrims on their tours. It was a major event with over 800 pilgrims attending, including the participants from the Sydney Archdiocese and Catholic schools, Parishes, Teachers, Bus group leaders and anyone else travelling along on the tours, all who turned up with family and friends. I have never seen Saint Mary's Cathedral so packed!
The Homily, said by the Archbishop, was inspirational and focused on the journey that we will make in the now not-so-far future. It inspired us all and made us feel like we were part of a huge community. One that will create long lasting memories together as we follow our own spiritual paths on this one physical journey.
Not to mention that the Cantor was magnificent! As a Cantor myself in my own Parish I can appreciate how much practice would have went into a mass like this. He was truely uplifting, and dare I say, on-point!
Also our Deacon Moses, who was recently ordained, was serving at todays Mass! It was so nice to see a familiar face up on the Altar next to the Archbishop, Anthony Fisher. I hope I run into him at World Youth Day, though with 3 million pilgrims expected it may not be possible.
Below are some photos (some are not very good as it was very hard to get photos with over 800 parents!) And more are posted in the Gallery.
'Till next time!
God Bless,
Kristina :)
P.S. Just want to say I am super proud of my sister Isabella, who left today for an Altar Serving Retreat for 3 days! I am so proud of the person she is and for doing things that she believes in. Have fun Izzy! xx
Author
Hello. My name is Kristina Sergi and I am a Year 12 student at Bethlehem College, Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia. I am an active member of my Church Parish in Dulwich Hill, Sydney. I am fortunate enough to travel to Italy and Poland for this years' World Youth Day celebrations. This is my blog in which I will record my WYD journey ..... From Dully to Krakow. Please follow me on my Pilgrimage and journey of faith.