by Antonina Zielinska
MADRID — The day before World Youth Day officially started, pilgrims from the Diocese of Brooklyn joined their counterparts from around the world to celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the ancient city of Avila, Spain.
Msgr. Jaime Gigantiello, pastor of Mary, Queen of Heaven, Old Mill Basin, joined the multi-national list of concelebrants. He said the celebration was a fitting way to honor Mary.
“She is our spiritual mother,” he said. “Although we are of different nationalities, we are one family. Like a mother brings the family together, she brings the Church together.”
Pilgrim Emily Santorom, from Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill, said she was not expecting so many people at the Mass.
“The Mass was very beautiful,” said Paulina Albarracin, also from Holy Child Jesus. “All the different cultures came together because of their devotion. It was breathtaking.”
Ernesto de Dominguez, from Our Lady of Sorrows, Corona, said he is thankful to have experienced the diversity of faith.
“It’s good to know we are not the only Christians in the world,” he said.
Chaparone Sally Flores, from Transfiguration Church, Williamsburg, explained that the young people filled her with hope.
“Seeing the youth singing and dancing is so wonderful,” she said. “There are no words to express how this experience has been for me. It has brought me to tears many times.”
Universal Show of Support
After the liturgy, pilgrims toured the city of Avila, home of St. Teresa of Jesus. When they passed delegates from other countries, they often cheered at each other or stopped and found a way to show their support.
“We were able to communicate without words,” said pilgrim Marydelle Abia, from Mary, Queen of Heaven. “We gave each other hugs, high fives, and used universal words.”
For Amanda Andrew, from Mary, Queen of Heaven, this event was good preparation for the rest of the pilgrimage.
“It made me realize that World Youth Day is bigger than just Brooklyn and Queens,” she said. “It’s people from all over the world sharing in one belief.”
After touring Avila, the pilgrims visited Segovia, where they could see where St. John of the Cross, one of the patrons of this WYD, is buried.
Peter Brulas, from Holy Family Church, Fresh Meadows, said he was impressed by the architecture of both cities. Both cities have cathedrals and churches that were preserved and restored for centuries.
“It shows that people through the generations stuck to their faith,” he said.
