Shannon KeoughThree Cabrini students plan to recreate the energy they experienced at World Youth Day in Australia back here at Cabrini College, by implementing programs where students can freely express their faith.
“Being in the presence of so many with the same views as I have reinforced a lot of what I believe,” Kristie Bergin, junior social work and religious studies major, said.
Bergin along with Danielle Murphy, senior psychology, sociology and religious studies major, and Kelsie LaBauve, senior religious studies major, were picked by the Wolfington Center to represent Cabrini at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia this summer.
“The trip gave involved students an opportunity to challenge their faith and then share it with others,” Campus Minister Christa Angeloni, who went with them, said.
The trip came as a surprise gift from the Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Students who were continuously involved in their faith life and viewed as campus role models of faith to other students were chosen to participate.
World Youth Day is an invitation from the pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith. This year it took place in Australia and Pope Benedict XVI chose this scripture verse as the theme: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.”
This verse from Acts 1:8 explains the promise Jesus made after his resurrection. The theme was picked to inspire those who participated in World Youth Day to believe and witness him during their stay in Sydney.
Bergin explained the spiritual emotions she felt while being in the presence of the pope.
“When the pope drove past us, a feeling of peace I never experienced before came over me – which was strange because I was standing in a crowd of 300,000 people,” Bergin said.
The emotions invoked during the trip and the time spent with other students who were dedicated to their faith inspired these three Cabrini students to do the same here at Cabrini College.
“It’s important to practice faith in everyday life and it is easy for some to forget about faith when it’s not in their face all the time,” Murphy said. “Being around young people who were so passionate about their faith gave me hope in future generations.”
Bergin and Murphy agreed that although they both learned a good bit, the trip mostly reinforced their beliefs and inspired them to create opportunities here at Cabrini so students who wish to express their faith openly can do so.
“The trip was another step in my faith journey. It helped me grow in who I am and remember where I came from,” Murphy said.
“I’ve realized what I can accomplish as a student leader in faith here at Cabrini,” Bergin said.
