Pope Francis’ message rouses World Youth Day pilgrims

    So often youth are said to be the future, and in a way they are. Pope Francis, however, had a different message for them at the 2019 World Youth Day in Panama City. “Dear young people,” he said, “you are not the future but the now of God.”
    That sentiment is something that four local people brought back to their church and community after attending the Jan. 27 WYD, and it’s inspiring them regardless of age. Holyoke’s Daniela Baeza was accompanied by Paul and Laura Krogmeier on the pilgrimage. Iris Clark, who lives in Haxtun and was born and raised in Panama, attended as well.
    The four have gotten to know each other through their involvement in the Neocatechumenal Way community at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Between Baeza and the Krogmeiers, at least someone from their group has attended each of the last five WYD events, which were in Australia, Spain, Brazil and Poland before Panama this year. Though she’s been invited before, this was the first time Clark has been, and the experience inspired her. “Seeing so many youth, it gives you hope,” she said.
    Leading up to WYD, the Holyoke group wasn’t actually planning to attend. Just last year, they traveled to Italy for the 50th anniversary of the Neocatechumenal Way, so they didn’t think another trip so soon would work.
    It was Baeza who suggested that they should reconsider. She pointed out that it may be their last chance to see Kiko Argüello, the 80-year-old co-initiator of the Way, at a vocational meeting. As it turned out, Clark had planned a visit to her family that still lives in Panama City that coincided with WYD, so she could offer accommodations. Surprisingly cheap plane tickets made the trip seem that much more attainable, but Paul wasn’t quite convinced.

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