Assumption School teacher Matthew Gibson has returned from the week-long World Youth Day (WYD) pilgrimage organised every three years by the Catholic Church as a chance to experience the universality of the church and to celebrate faith.
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This year’s WYD, held in July, was in Krakow, Poland.
“It was an awesome experience to go there,” Mr Gibson said.
“You learn so much about other cultures.”
Mr Gibson spent the week billeted by a Polish family in the city of Wadowice, 50 km out of Krakow.
“It was a fascinating experience because they didn’t speak any English,” Mr Gibson said.
Pope Francis was in attendance, leading a prayer service on the Thursday afternoon, an evening vigil on Saturday night and holy mass on Sunday.
Mr Gibson said seeing the Pope in person was an amazing experience.
“He spoke to youth about getting off the couch and leading a pro-active role in the world.”
The Catholic Education Office Diocese of Bathurst offered the chance to go to WYD and Mr Gibson was one of four from the Bathurst diocese who attended.
Mr Gibson also attended the Paradise in the City event, held a week earlier in Lodz.
The multi-denomination event, run by Catholic charismatic group the Chemin Neuf community, showcased testimonies and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The next WYD is in Panama City in 2019.
