Author: Luke Powers

This is a short story about one of the coolest moments from my time in Kraków.

During World Youth Day, a black market like trade system emerges. This market is all about souvenirs from different countries. People bring unique items from their homeland to trade and barter for other goods. I was tipped off about this phenomenon before I left, and brought several American souvenirs to trade.

Many people bring pins, keychains, religious articles, and banners. However, the most covened items are national flags and by far the American flag is the most prized. Luckily I brought the Stars and Stripes with me.

People constantly kept coming up to me asking to trade and some times even offering cash to take my flag. I refused all offers that came. That was until we went out for dinner one night.

While at dinner, a group of French pilgrims came in with custom matching WYD shirts. As the group was about to leave I asked one of them if they would trade for the shirt off their back. Two quickly responded with “no, no, I love this too much”. Another one spoke up and said he would give his away for 100 dollars. When I told him that was way to much he simply shrugged his shoulders and said “it’s French, what do you expect”.

Without saying another word, I reached into my backpack and pulled out the full sized American flag. As soon as he laid eyes on it, his shirt came flying off. The whole group jumped up out from their table and began chanting USA! They told us that although they do not say it all the time the actually love American culture.

The pictures below show the great trade in action.

-Luke

The first large gathering in Kraków was a welcoming ceremony for the Holy Father. This is also where we began to understand just how many pilgrims made the trip to Poland.

The opening ceremony was to take place in Błonia field, a short distance  from Kraków city center. The walk to the grounds was some what grueling but also electric. The narrow streets of Poland were not ready for about 2 million of us. It seemed like each group was carrying a flag, which added to the party like atmosphere.

We finally made it to our section on the field, and everywhere I looked there was no end to the crowds. Pope Francis rode through the crowds in the popemobile accompanied by thunderous applause on his way to the main stage. There was multiple speeches given and gifts exchanged, however the highlight was the reading of the gospel followed by a short speech from the Holy Father.

The day’s gospel was read in Latin and Greek, as many of our eastern brothers were present at World Youth Day. It was during the procession of the gospel books that the beauty of the World Youth Day experience hit me. Millions of faithful from every corner of the world gather around the vicar of Christ to listen to the Word of God. Joy was radiating from everyone in attendence. This joy stemmed from Christ’s presence among us in many different forms. First of all, our Lord was present in the spoken word of the Holy Gospel.

Often I think of my own parish and Diocese as a microcosm of the church. At that moment Kraków became a macrocosm of the Universal Church.

-Luke

Today was dedicated to spending time with our host families. The whole group met for Sunday Mass at the local parish. After the Mass, we sang some hymns for the parish and in return the children sang us several songs. A few members of the city council had set up a cook out for all the families hosting us. We all enjoyed some great polish food while mingling with the locals.

After the cookout, everyone left to go adventuring with their respective families. We tracked to an old military base which was first built by Napoleon and is still used today as a museum. It is very evident that the Poles have a great respect for their freedom. There are many reminders of the communist era still standing around Sopot.

After touring the base, we went kayaking along some small rivers. The entire experience was very calming and beautiful. After our little adventure, we returned home for another great dinner.

Over the last few nights we have been playing cards with the father of the family. The game of choice is bridge. This has provided us with many great conversations. Sadly, tomorrow we will be departing for Kraków, and departing our wounded full family.

– Luke

Yesterday Micahel and I arrived safely in Poland. We met our World Youth Day group shortly after taxing to our host parish. We are all staying with different families for a few days within the town of Sopot.

Being in Europe for over a month has proven helpful as the rest of our group is jet-legged. My host family has been incredibly gracious, and the group as a whole seems to be very excited for the days to come.

The first day was spent mostly relaxing on the beach. We had an early morning Mass followed by coffee and desserts. From the parish we went on a small hike that ended up on the beach. Many members went for a swim and others simply sat back and enjoyed the sun.

I spent most of my time talking with the two religious sisters who have joined our group. Through a weird series of events, two sisters from Nebraska have joined our pilgrimage. When I was talking with them it was evident that they love their vocation and that they are filled with joy. It is a blessing to have them as part of our group.

In the upcoming days we are headed to meet other members from our diocese, and pilgrims from around the world. We will join groups first in the city of Gdansk, before traveling to Krakow for the main events.

– Luke

The few days we have spent in Fatima have been truly amazing. There are so many different aspect that have made Fatima special for me. The shrine itself is incredibly beautiful, but it is nothing compared to what actually happened here. Being able to spend several hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament has been very beneficial for me.

I wish to share just a few thoughts that have arisen from my prayer here in Fatima. Trusting in the Lord is everything. No matter if it’s big life decisions or small daily tasks we all desire and think we know what is best for us, or at least I do. There are times in prayer, however, when the Lord asks us to leave our own desires and follow His will. Many times on this pilgrimage I have experienced just this, and it has been difficult to follow him when I couldn’t see the reason why. Here in Fatima I have been able to reflect back and see the fruit of these small sacrifices.

When we conform our wills to God’s will, we are flooded with his mercy. Forgiveness and mercy have played a large part of this pilgrimage for me. Although I did not come here seeking forgiveness or looking to amend some great problem in my life, I have felt God’s love on a profound level. I can’t quite put this into words, other than saying that I know I am a beloved son.

These reflections are extremely brief, but each is a well of knowledge and grace. My hope is that this post will not only give you a small glimpse into our lives but also providesome material for your own thoughts and prayers.

– Luke