Kervens Georges
SS. Joachim and Anne, Queens Village
Amazing. The world is here. It is good to be a Catholic and it is good to represent the Diocese of Brooklyn.
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Caroline Contreras, 17
St. Sebastian, Woodside
It has been great because to be honest, I didn’t want to come at first but when I saw this I realized that I was chosen to be here and I was meant to be here.
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Melissa Vaez, 18
Presentation of the B.V.M., Jamaica
It’s something that you don’t see every day: youth coming together and searching for the One person that we are all here for: Christ.
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Franco Pallante, 16
Blessed Trinity, Breezy Point
It’s been intense and very rewarding. I got to meet a lot of people and make friendships that would last. It is very awe-inspiring, seeing the hundreds of thousands of people is breathtaking.
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Maria Rita Furtado
St. Rita, L.I.C.
It’s a lot more people than I thought it would be. You don’t realize it until you are on the streets. Also it’s a lot more tiring than I thought but it’s worth it.
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Joe Liotta, 16
Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge
It’s really been a great experience. I’m meeting people from all over the world… They are very happy to be here and it’s a lot of fun.
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Chrisel Gladson, 17,
Our Lady of the Snows, N. Floral Park
Catechesis has changed me in so many ways. Being able to experience God on so many different levels than we are used to and with a lot of people and what people get out of it is different. Every night, me and my roommate would sit down and kind of discuss our day.
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Claire Spinetti, 21
B.V.M. Help of Christians, Woodside
I’m with amazing people and it’s very organized and everyone makes sure everyone gets to be a part of everything. It’s been really awesome.
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Ricardo Newball, 22
Holy Cross, Flatbush
It’s been beautiful. This is my first World Youth Day experience and just the people you meet here, they are great people. Everybody is God-loving. You are able to just enjoy each other’s presence.
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Philip Apilan, 18
St. Anselm, Bay Ridge
I really got to discover the communal aspect of being together with people from across the world. I just loved going to the (Tauron) Arena, celebrating prayer services with other people.
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Nicole Longo, 17
St. Patrick’s, Bay Ridge
It’s amazing to see all the youth come together and celebrate their faith, which I don’t think you see a lot these days. My favorite part was during the adoration. When everyone was holding the candles and praying together.
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Grace Dolan, 17
Blessed Trinity, Breezy Point
I’m having a lot of fun at world Youth Day. I’m very excited to be here. I liked that the kids spoke and they told their own stories. I thought that was really special.
See more World Youth Day 2016 coverage:
https://thetablet.org/first-meet/
https://thetablet.org/83590-2/