As the global Catholic community prepares for the 18th World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, many young Catholics are reflecting on the impact of this event on their faith. For Sarah-Leah Pimentel, attending two World Youth Days - in Rome in 2000 and Cologne in 2005 - was a life-changing experience that shaped her spiritual journey. Pimentel, who has been fortunate enough to attend two WYDs, highly recommends the event to all young Catholics.
Pimentel's first WYD experience in Rome was a daunting one. At 19 years old, she traveled to Germany for a pre-WYD youth gathering with two other South Africans from the Schoenstatt Movement. They then joined 900 other Schoenstatters in Rome, where Pimentel found herself in charge of a group of younger American teens when their group leader went missing. Despite struggling with claustrophobia and navigating an unfamiliar city, Pimentel persevered and made it back to the hostel safely.
However, it was her second WYD experience in Cologne in 2005 that had a profound impact on her faith. After living in Germany for a year as a volunteer, helping to prepare for WYD, Pimentel was able to participate in the event in a more meaningful way. She helped pilgrims in distress and assisted at a helpdesk, using her language skills to translate for those in need. The experience was transformative, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
One of the key moments of WYD is the walking pilgrimage to the open-air venue for Mass with the pope. In Cologne, Pimentel had the privilege of being up on the altar with Pope Benedict XVI for the vigil the night before the final Mass. The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was a powerful experience that still fills her soul whenever she thinks about it. The event brought together 1.2 million young people from around the world.
For Pimentel, WYD helped her realize that she was part of a worldwide community of 1.4 billion people who share her faith. This awareness gave her the interior courage to continue striving as a Catholic and to learn more about her own faith. Despite the challenges of being a minority in a predominantly non-Catholic country like South Africa, Pimentel encourages young Catholics to participate in their parish youth groups and get involved in the life of their parish.
While attending WYD may seem like a costly and daunting experience, Pimentel offers practical advice for those who want to participate. She suggests establishing a fundraising process early, getting the whole parish involved, and joining a diocesan group that has secured a good travel package. For those who cannot attend, Pimentel recommends livestreaming the key events and joining the global community spiritually.
As young Catholics from around the world prepare for WYD in Seoul, Pimentel's reflections serve as a reminder of the transformative power of this event. With its focus on community, prayer, and service, WYD offers a unique opportunity for young people to deepen their faith and connect with others who share their values. The event is expected to draw thousands of young Catholics from around the world.
Key points
- World Youth Day has been a life-changing experience for many young Catholics, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and connection with a global community of faith.
