The fifth World Youth Day which took place in Denver, Colorado was a very powerful experience to many of the young people who gathered there to celebrate their faith. We who took part in this celebration would like to share some thrilling moments with You.

The spiritual journey to Denver began on morning of August 7, 1993, and only did the physical journey begin before noon. The anticipation inside of me kept me fully alive and energetic. To me, it was not another trip to the States, but a hidden desire to gain some knowledge, some clues to the will of God through the ever gentle voice of Pope John Paul II. I hoped for any kind of spiritual filtration during the trip, through the friends I made, through our daily prayers, through the songs we sang as an outward expression of faith and love for God, through our struggles and our support for the protection of our Lord, and all that He means to each one of us, individually.
I was anxious to be a part of the mass youth in Denver, all for the love of God. I was in awe at many people, the many shouts of joy at the arrival of the Pope. I felt the energy and flow of the Holy Spirit at that moment when all Christians raised their flags with pride and their voice in faith!
The trip to Denver opened my eyes to many nationalities of youth on a global scale that love God and traveled extreme distances to hear the message of the Pope. Though we were unable to communicate with each other, we understood our universal language of loving God. As I see it, we are all one, one in the sight of God, yet still individuals by name.
The pilgrimage fulfilled itself by our trials and struggles. I had very little planned to what I truly expected, yet I left myself open to whatever may have been meant for me to learn of have confirmed. I have taken home with me the messages of the Pope, my experiences throughout the trip, which includes beautiful sceneries and friendships which have continued to grow and expand.
The trip has not ended for me. This was just the beginning of what lies ahead, the extension of which each person became a part of when they signed up for the trip. For me, ‘Youth Day’ can be a daily occurrence and celebration, just by being with those we love: by being children of GOD!

Darlene Chmielewski