The moment had arrived faster than I anticipated; I was on my way to Cologne, Germany, for World Youth Day 2005. The flight itself felt like a whirlwind—my first international journey, filled with a mix of anticipation and nerves. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't shake the feeling of being swept away by the magnitude of the experience ahead.
Upon arriving, I was immediately met with the vibrant energy of youth from every corner of the globe, all connected through the Alliance of the Two Hearts. It was inspiring, yet overwhelming. I distinctly remember two large groups: one hailing from California, with their sun-kissed smiles and laid-back vibes, and the other from New Jersey, bursting with enthusiasm and an unmistakable East Coast edge.
For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of intimidation creeping in. It was unusual for me; I had always been a fighter, confident in my abilities and ready to tackle any challenge. But in that moment, surrounded by so many passionate and driven individuals, I began to feel a little out of place. The realization struck me that I was part of something much bigger than myself, and it was both exhilarating and daunting.
To be honest, the trip felt like a whirlwind as we packed so much into that 30-day pilgrimage. Each day was filled with new experiences, but one moment stands out vividly: arriving at the World Youth Day Gathering. The atmosphere was electric, and I was immediately struck by the sight of youth from all corners of the globe proudly waving their country flags. It was an awe-inspiring moment, one that truly took my breath away.
I vividly recall listening to Pope Benedict XVI speak, especially since the event was held in Germany, his homeland. I was mesmerized by his ability to communicate in so many languages, effortlessly connecting with the crowd. His presence radiated a sense of holiness that drew everyone in, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence and excitement.
And then there was the food! I specifically remember these strange miniature weenies served to us—cold and bland, I couldn’t help but wonder what I was eating. Looking back now, I recognize them as Vienna Sausages, but even today, I can’t say they’ve won me over. They remain a quirky memory from that trip!
Without diving into all the intricate details of that pilgrimage and the various places I visited, it was during my time in Poland that my life would change forever.
I remember arriving at this grand shrine; it was strikingly white, and there was one part that towered high above everything else. To the side, I spotted a building that resembled a hotel, but later I learned it was actually a convent. I couldn’t help but notice the green roof, which added to the unique charm of the place. As I tried to comprehend where we were, I was informed that we would be staying here.
As I wandered around, I walked past a room with a balcony adorned with a big yellow ribbon. Curiosity piqued, but I hesitated to ask anyone about it; I thought I’d figure it out eventually.
Then I heard the announcement: everyone was to meet in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in 20 minutes. Wait, what!? Did they just say the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy? I knew all about Divine Mercy; I had been praying the Divine Mercy prayer for quite some time. In fact, I recalled the card that Fr. John had given me when we first met.
I followed the crowd into the sanctuary, where I noticed that all the females were wearing veils. I didn’t wear one, not understanding the significance at the time. As I entered the sanctuary and laid my eyes on the picture of Divine Mercy, it all hit me as the Mass began. Holy cow!! I was at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy! That yellow ribbon marked the room where St. Faustina lived.
In that moment, everything rushed upon me. I was physically present in the place where the saint I had been praying to for intercession had her visions and lived. But what did it all mean? I was overwhelmed with emotion, grappling with the profound significance of being there.
Divine Mercy stands as a profound devotion within the Catholic Church, highlighting the boundless mercy and love that God extends to humanity. This devotion reassures us that no matter the weight of our sins, God is always ready to forgive those who sincerely repent and seek His grace.
The message of Divine Mercy gained significant attention through the life of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun whose mystical experiences and visions of Jesus transformed her into a messenger of this vital message. In her encounters, St. Faustina received clear instructions from Jesus about the necessity of trusting in His mercy and the urgent call to spread this divine message to the world.
One of the most iconic aspects of her revelations is the image of Divine Mercy, depicting Jesus with rays of light radiating from His heart, symbolizing the immense mercy that flows from Him. St. Faustina's diary, titled "Divine Mercy in My Soul," serves as a testament to her reflections and the profound messages she received. In it, she encourages the faithful to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and to observe the Feast of Divine Mercy, which is celebrated on the Sunday following Easter.
Through her life and her writings, St. Faustina became an essential figure in promoting the Divine Mercy devotion, inviting countless individuals to embrace and experience God’s compassion and forgiveness.
What I forgot to mention is that throughout this pilgrimage, Fr. John persistently encouraged me to go to confession. To be honest, I struggled to understand the need for it. I often thought, why should I share my sins with another person when I can speak directly to God, who can forgive me on His own? This mindset led me to resist and make excuses to avoid the sacrament.
One day, during a quiet moment of prayer, Fr. John approached me once again. With gentle conviction, he reminded me that there was no better opportunity to experience God’s mercy than right there in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy—an extraordinary place where St. Faustina had her divine encounters and visions. His words resonated deeply with me, and I began to see confession not just as a requirement, but as a chance to truly encounter God’s loving forgiveness.
In that sacred space, I felt an invitation to open my heart and allow God’s mercy to wash over me.
After making my confession, I was surprised to feel an overwhelming sense of relief wash over me. It was a feeling I hadn’t expected, but it was welcomed nonetheless.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Father John began to offer me some guidance. He mentioned a specific event from my life that left me utterly shocked. I couldn’t help but ask him how he knew that. I had never shared that with anyone!
In response, he explained his strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and how the Holy Spirit often reveals insights to him. He shared that he had been shown I possess a special calling and encouraged me to discern my vocation. Vocation? The word echoed in my mind, leaving me puzzled. What could that possibly mean for me?
He gently urged me to keep praying and to seek the intercession of St. Faustina and the Blessed Mother. He reassured me that when I returned home, God would reveal a sign—an undeniable truth about myself that would shift my perspective on life. When that moment came, it would signal my call to follow a path in the religious life.
I laughed, respectfully, and said, “Father, I could never be a nun!” His response was calm and reassuring: “I’ll be praying for you. Just keep your heart open to God’s voice.”
As I left that conversation, I couldn’t shake the feeling of curiosity mixed with apprehension. What could God have in store for me?
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Very interesting!