We went to DC for the March for Life March, Youth Mass and Rally and all I got was......
13 of our church members went to Washington DC, for what I have to describe as the single most moving experience of my life. Our trip started by meeting several other youth groups and sharing a 12 hour bus ride getting to know them. Not to mention the opportunity to actually get to sleep on a bus!
Since we arrived several hours early. We did some sightseeing. We visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, saw the Washington Monument, and stood at the backside of the White House. On Thursday evening, we celebrated Mass with at least 150 other teens. Teens that were there for the same purpose. We all were there to fight for life. But during Mass what I saw was the Holy Spirit working through each and everyone of them. Miracles happened that night it was indescribable. It was awesome to be around that many other Catholic youths. After the mass all of us, by our own choice, went to confession. Then we walked several blocks and toured the National Shrine. The basilica was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. My only regret was that we only had about 10 minutes to spend there.
On Friday, we woke up at 4am to attend the Youth Rally at the Verizon Center. AMAZING! Followed by a youth Mass that I still find myself signing the music. I do not think my feet touched the ground. Father Paternoster, was one of the several hundred priests, bishops and cardinals, that celebrated the mass. This truly made us realize that we are the church and the church is everywhere. After the mass we walked the streets of Washington DC to march for life. When we were done marching, we took the metro to Rockville, Maryland to St. Mary's Church. The people of this church prepared dinner of several homemade soups, sloppy joes, hot dogs and desserts that had to of come straight from Heaven. With our stomach full and grateful spirit we loaded the bus and headed for home.
I wish I could put into words what this experience has done for my spirit, but I can't. I can only say, that YOU need to be there. YOU need to experience this for yourself. YOU need to be a witness of God's handiwork. YOU will be changed forever.
God Bless.
