THE goosebumps Mariana Passeggi Romagnoli said she felt during World Youth Day week in Sydney in July, 2008, are certain to return when she joins the WYD pilgrimage to Spain in 2011.
Mariana is planning the trip with her youth group, Baruch 4, based in Maroochydore parish on the Sunshine Coast. Her parents will be the group’s leaders.
“After attending WYD08 I saw the strong faith other Catholics have around the around the world,” the 22-year-old said. “It made me see just how strong this Catholic faith of our is.”
When Pope Benedict XVI announced Madrid as the next host country, the Spanish-speaking young woman knew she “had to go”. “I lived in Barcelona for a year after I finished school and love the country and the way of life,” Mariana, who is yet to visit Madrid, said.
“I believe that getting together with Catholics from all over the world gives you a great sense of peace to see just how much passion and love there is for Jesus Christ. “This is the type of feeling that makes me continue to practise my faith.”
Attending Brisbane archdiocese’s youth and children’s ministry training day in February, Mariana asked Archbishop John Bathersby to join Baruch 4 on the pilgrimage.
“As a fluent Spanish speaker you offer your services to anyone who would like a translator,” she said.
“Knowing that the archbishop had attended other World Youth Days I guess this one would be one that would be perfect for us to help him out – as he has helped us in the past to attend.”
Archbishop Bathersby’s response was a jovial, “We’ll see”.
Mariana was born in Uruguay, South America, and came to Australia – “this amazing country” – in 1997.
“In Uruguay, Spanish is the national language,” she said of the dialogue always encouraged at home.
“I have always been grateful that my parents enforced that at home otherwise I would have lost my native language.
“I have travelled back and forward from Uruguay so always speaking with family and friends over there helps me reconnect with my language.”
More details are now being sent to parishes and groups about World Youth Day next year and are available online.
Mariana, who is continuing her studies in youth ministry, said WYD was an event not to be missed.
– Selina Venier
