World Youth Day Trip: Day 1

The first day got off to a rocky start for the kids from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School on their pilgrimage to World Youth Day. Airline troubles resulted in getting off the a late start. Below are posts from Dan Johnson and deacon candidate Bill Harkins:


Heavenly Father,
As men, as husbands, and as fathers we entrust to you the youth of the world.  Without fear or hesitation and in union with the celebration of World Youth Day we give you our own children that you may work in their lives calling them closer to you. We offer, in particular, our prayers for all those traveling with Franciscan University on this pilgrimage of faith.  Keep them safe and draw them in to the fire of your love that they may be "rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith."

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons... Pray for us.

Bill Harkins - Monday, August 8, 2011 - 12:07 pm:

We just attended Mass, celebrated by Fr Dan Goode, in Miami, at Little Flower Church.  We are at the Miami airport, waiting for a 5 pm flight to Madrid enroute to Rome and then Assisi.  The kids are excited, we can't wait to get on with the pilgrimage.  Today is the feast of St Dominic, founder of the Order Preachers, we ask him to intercede for us as we travel today.  He evangelized in the same parts of Europe we are heading to.  God Bless. St Joseph, Terror of demons, pray for us.  Bill

Dan Johnson - Sunday, August 7, 2011 - 8:37 pm

Well that fear of airports- well warranted to say the least! Recounting today's events.

1) we left at 4:30am for Pensacola.
2) we miss the 7am due to the airlines mistakes.

3) 12:20 flight delayed first because it needed oil, then it began to storm in Pensacola.

4) finally we board the flight to hear the pilot say we have to deplane because of weather in Miami. Hour delay!

5) just after 3 we depart for Miami.

6) we arrive as our connection is boarding and cannot make the flight or any other for the night!

But wait it gets better... Seriously things are looking up!

7) anyone who looks at our teens smiles because though they are tired they are still laughing and having fun. Surrendering all sadness and even anger recognizing the blessing of being together.
8) Franciscan university calls and says there is an 18 year old girl traveling alone stranded in Miami without a hotel or plans for a flight and understandably nervous.

In the end: a young girl from Minnesota has been brought into our group and will travel with us to Assisi bringing her and her parents great relief! I imagine we are the answer to their prayers. Something we will reflect on bring such a blessing out of a long day. A blessing for her and us. We have enjoyed a nice meal at the hotel. Through adversity we have strengthened our character and community. We have been blessed with an opportunity to show great charity to all those we came in contact with, even in difficult situations.
Perhaps the devil was attacking us, but I think being "rooted and built up in Jesus Christ firm in the faith," we are without question blessed!

Now we pray tomorrow goes a bit smoother!