Lessons learned

“World Youth Day” is a Catholic gathering that happens every three years, where youths from around the world come together to celebrate this holy and special event.

My experience at this year’s “World Youth Day” in Madrid, Spain, was life changing. It will be an experience never to be forgotten. Imagine celebrating this remarkable event with more than a million people and with His Holiness Pope Benedict the XVI!

At first, I didn’t know what to expect when I reach Spain, as it would be my first time there. At the same time, I wondered what will be my next step once “World Youth Day” is over, and why I was selected to go on this trip. Going to places like the first Mass, where more than a million people showed up, meeting the Pope, waiting for him to arrive in Madrid, sleeping under the stars and watching God’s wonderful creation above, going to Burgos, visiting the cathedrals and the old churches, and many more places, I wondered: Why was I chosen and was able to make this trip, thinking that I might be sent by God for a reason.

It was while inside a church in Burgos that I realized why I was sent here. Basically, to know more about myself, why was I sent here to this world, and what is my mission here. Not only that but also to know more about my religion, the Catholic faith, and get closer to God.

Going on this trip made me realize that I should not waste the time that God gave me. Whatever time is given to you, use it wisely because you can’t get it back. I should not waste this wonderful life that God gave me, I should remember that this body I am in is not mine but God’s. It’s given to me to spread the faith to the youth and to all the people around the world, telling them to reach out and spread God’s word, and to let them know that our Lord Jesus Christ loves them and is always there for them. This trip also made me realize how our Catholic faith is important. Going to churches around Madrid, Burgos, and Korea (where we had a layover) made me aware of how beautiful God’s churches are.

I will never forget this trip. Even though the CNMI pilgrims went to a lot of struggles, challenges, and sacrifices, it all paid off. This trip was not a vacation; it was for us to get closer to God, to know more about our Catholic faith, and to see God’s beauty around the world. I believe that this trip was made for us youth to understand more about Jesus, to learn more about His ways, and to spread His holy words around the world.

I also learned the true meaning of the word “Joy.” It means “Jesus,” “Others,” “Yourself.” This word made me realize I should not put myself first, but God. Why? He brought me to this world to love Him and to be one of His people. I should also care for others, helping them, leading them to a right path of the Lord, showing them there is always hope and God is always there. And finally myself, to always love God and His people.

This trip was amazing because I was able to meet new people around the world. I was able to know more about my faith, how important it is, and how blessed we are. This journey was a gift from God. As long as you believe in Him, anything can happen. This trip also involved a lot of sacrifice but in the end you will realize that all of your hard work was worth it.

This trip also changed me, leaving behind my bad attitudes in Madrid and bringing back to the Marianas a new me, a better person, a good child to my parents, and a good child of God. Life is too short and I should live my life to the fullest. I should use my life wisely serving God in many ways, helping people, and giving back to our community. (Vladimer delos Santos del Rosario)