IMAGINE being involved in the biggest youth celebration in history, participating in the festivities first-hand and being told 40 minutes beforehand that you were going to meet and be blessed by the Holy Father.
Alice Priest from Port Pirie diocese went to World Youth Day in Rome in August as one of two national delegates who were invited to attend the World Youth Day forum and play important roles in the presentation of major World Youth Day events.
These included the Way of the Cross on August 17, the vigil Mass at Tor Vergata University on August 19 and the final Mass with the Holy Father on August 20.
Alice, 26, also had a part in the opening celebrations in front of 700,000 young pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on August 15.
But she didn’t realise her life would change that day. Part way through the ceremony a monsignor from the Vatican quietly took her hand and informed her she would meet Pope John Paul II in a little over half an hour.
“He told me I would be the last of 10 people who were representing the five continents of the world,” said Alice, still elated from her awesome trip. “I was representing the Oceania region which included Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific islands.
“I was told I had to walk onto the stage and then turn and walk up the red carpet and kneel before the Holy Father’s chair.”
Alice said she was initially dumbfounded.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was totally speechless,” she said.
Alice waited for her turn, with an Australian flag wrapped around her waist and watched the other young people approach the Pope and kneel before him.
“I was jumping out of my skin,” she said laughing. “Then it was my turn and when I knelt, he gave me a blessing saying, ‘God bless you and those you represent’ and then he kissed me and embraced me.
“Up close he was a frail kind of man but he had a real presence,” said Alice. “It was amazing to have contact with someone who is so special.”
“The Italian media were there and there were young people chanting and singing but they all seemed to fade away,” she said. “I know it sounds like a cliche but it was like we were the only two people on earth.”
Alice said the whole experience was awesome. “Meeting the Holy Father was a great privilege and an occasion that will stay with me forever,” she said.
