Courtesy of Ray Young, Director of Ministries at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Fresno
St. Anthony of Padua – Fresno Young Adults (SAYA) represent the Diocese of Fresno in Portugal at World Youth Day with Pope Francis. Many ask how the Church can ignite the flames of faith in our young people.
World Youth Day touches the lives of these young people in a special way. It is one thing to say that the word catholic means Universal, it is something totally different to see and experience first-hand. Our young people got the opportunity to see other young people from around the world pray, play, and experience what it truly means to be One Universal Catholic Church.
Earlier that day, our SAYA group woke up to a beautiful sunrise at Campo da Graca for Holy Mass - the Missa de envio (sending mass) this mass marked the official end of our WYD23 pilgrimage.
It was an amazing pilgrimage full of surprises, blessings and graces. We thank our pastor Msgr. Rob, our St. Anthony of Padua community, and our family and friends for all of their support and prayers and for making our pilgrimage possible.
Our SAYA young adults are true pilgrims. Our first reaction to our young adults raising money to go to Portugal is plush hotels and incredible sites to see. Here is the hard realty. All they have is what they can carry on their back. Accommodations included sleeping bags and finding a place on the grass. True sacrifice to experience this once in a lifetime spiritual journey to receive guidance from the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
They remembered the American and State of California flags as a remember who they represent.
Welcome home to our St. Anthony of Padua pilgrims!