NERVES and excitement are part of 19-year-old Jessica Davis’ itinerary towards World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain, this month.
The Brisbane Australian Catholic Univers-ity (ACU) student said despite the nerves she saw WYD11 as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to help her “grow and discover” her place in the world.
“WYD means walking along a journey of self-discovery, finding out more about my faith, and how I can help and inspire others,” Jessica said.
“I hope it will help me discover my purpose and guide me to my dreams for the future.”
The nursing and paramedics student is among the 91 ACU representatives who will journey through Poland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and finally, Madrid.
“I think it is fantastic ACU is taking students on this pilgrimage,” Jessica said.
“We are the only group who will be walking in the footsteps on Pope John Paul II and living out the life of such a miraculous man.
“It will be such an inspiring, amazing and exciting time.
“I expect WYD to teach us all a better attitude and to be happy with the little things life brings our way.
“After all, the little things are the most precious, and we don’t need big things to help us be happy.”
Pilgrim leader and identity and mission director at ACU Steve Lawrence said the university was committed to the values of WYD.
“Following our incredible involvement in and commitment to the Sydney WYD in 2008, ACU is very pleased to show its support for WYD 2011,” Steve said.
“We see this pilgrimage as an investment not only for those students and staff who will attend, but also for the broader university through the expression and enrichment of our Catholic identity and mission.”
