Our Youth

Youth Views from World Youth Day in Brazil

What has been your experience of in WYD Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, thus far?

 

mtMarie Tronsor, 22

St. Gerard Majella, Hollis

Everyone here watches out for each other, even if we are not part of the same group.

 

 

 

clChristopher Luna, 22

Our Lady of Sorrows, Corona

Coming to WYD, I didn’t know what to expect. But to see such a huge number of young people from around the world that share my faith with such joy is very exciting.

 

 

 

mpNoelle Pagan, 17

St. Patrick, Bay Ridge

It’s just incredible to see the sheer amount of people who came out (and left their comfort zones) for the same purpose.

 

 

 

 

mmMarco Martinez, 16

Holy Family-St. Thomas Aquinas, Park Slope

I imagined Brazil as a more quiet place to be, but because of WYD, there are a lot of teens here. It’s nice to know that teens care about WYD. However, the flight here was exhausting.

 

 

 

ldLaura DePalma, 23

Mary Queen of Heaven, Mill Basin

It’s all been very exciting. The city is so alive. Everything is thriving. All the street vendors and World Youth Day pilgrims bring life to the street.

 

 

 

wtWilliam Transor, 19

St. Gerard Majella, Hollis

It’s so much different here, than in Spain. The food and people are so much more different than what I am used to. Everything is so cool and exciting.

 

 

 

joseph bobbyJoseph Bobby, 20

St. Sebastian, Woodside

Walking from our hotel to church for Mass, we met so many different people from other cultures and backgrounds. The church was also very beautiful. Singing and praying along with everyone – that’s what makes us holy, being together as pilgrims and praying.

 

 

sjSahara James, 18

Our Lady of Light, St. Albans

Getting here with flight issues was really frustrating. But we haven’t even been here 24 hours and it’s already so beautiful. We already had a Mass together and had an opportunity to explore the city together. All the pilgrims from around the world are so nice; they say “hi” to us.

 

 

lbLuis Brito, 22

St. Rita, Long Island City

It’s nice here. The buildings create a good environment. Also, seeing so many excited people here for World Youth Day makes you excited, too.

 

 

 

mjMichael Johnson, 20

St. Frances Cabrini, Bensonhurst

Rio has been an altogether different experience. I am traveling with a different group, which is already making it an experience to remember.

 

 

 

joshua browneJoshua Browne, 21

St. Athanasius, Bensonhurst

My impression of World Youth Day 2013 has been both exciting and tiring. Marching with everyone on the street has been amazing.

 

 

 

gmGlaelle Mathurin, 17

St. Gerard Majella, Hollis

WYD in Rio is getting exciting! The people are joyful here. I can’t wait to get to all the planned events, make new friends and pray with the pope.

 

 

 

ivIrvin Vidals, 19

Holy Family-St. Thomas Aquinas, Park Slope

The city is not at all what I expected. I didn’t expect so many people and the amount of chaos when it comes to the crowd.

 

 

 

 

wjWilliam Jones, 20

Mary Queen of Heaven, Mill Basin

Some things remind me of Madrid 2011, but I’ve noticed some differences. Pope Francis likes to make things exciting.