What has been your experience of in WYD Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, thus far?
Marie Tronsor, 22
St. Gerard Majella, Hollis
Everyone here watches out for each other, even if we are not part of the same group.
Christopher 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.
Noelle 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.
Marco 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.
Laura 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.
William 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 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.
Sahara 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.
Luis 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.
Michael 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 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.
Glaelle 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.
Irvin 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.
William 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.
