08 25 23 Vol. 45 No. 4

STORIES BY JACK FIGGE | PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

“THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO STOP AND GIVE UP, TO DRAG THE BOAT TO SHORE OR TO LOOK BACK. WE MUST NOT TAKE FLIGHT FROM THE PRESENT OUT OF FEAR, OR TAKE REFUGE IN FORMS AND PRACTICES OF THE PAST. NOW IS THE GOD-GIVEN TIME OF GRACE TO SAIL BOLDLY INTO THE SEA OF EVANGELIZATION AND OF MISSION.”

Pope Francis at vespers inside the Jerónimos Monastery

‘THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL’

This special Leaven issue falls short — way short — of telling the full story of World Youth Day 2023.

While this whole issue is dedicated to the stories that I saw most fit to tell and the photos that Jay Soldner best captured on this pilgrimage, it can and will never do this two-week endeavor justice.

Whenever somebody asks me why I love being a journalist, my first answer is because I get to hear the full story, while readers only receive about a tenth of the story. That’s the nature of newswriting — a lot must be cut out.

But you, the reader, are only reading maybe

0.001% of the stories from World Youth Day. And I feel so blessed to be a part of the full story.

Did sleeping on a gym floor and riding in cramped buses stink? Yes. But hearing the stories and testimonies of the pilgrims made it all worth it.

Inside, you will find the stories and testimonies of pilgrims, of ordinary teenagers and adults just like you, who encountered extraordinary things and people. It is my prayer that the Lord will use these stories to touch you, the reader, in whatever unique way he so desires.

I know that these stories touched my heart.

But the beautiful

thing is that these stories are not over — in fact, they are just beginning. World Youth Day was merely a launching point, the beginning of something beautiful.

Each pilgrim walked away transformed. Now, they all return to their parishes, their schools, sharing all that they saw and heard in Lisbon, Portugal.

And to me, that is the real story of World Youth Day — a story that will never make the front page of a major newspaper or receive a story on a Catholic news site.

But it is the most important story — a story about how one pilgrim’s encounter with Christ will inspire and touch your life and the lives of other Catholics.

PILGRIMS ENCOUNTER GLOBAL CHURCH BEFORE LEAVING U.S.

Father Luke Doyle raised the host. No bells rang in the simple chapel, but an announcement for the last call on an American Airlines flight to Spain did come across the loudspeaker at that moment.

Forty pilgrims were packed into the Our Lady of the Skies Chapel at New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport for Mass.

The announcement did not phase them as they prayed for safe travels to Lisbon, Portugal, where they would join more than 300,000 travelers from across the globe for World Youth Day.

Already, the group was making international connections.

They met Margrida Prieto, a native of Lisbon, traveling home to volunteer.

“It has been crazy,”

said Prieto. “At first, I thought we were unprepared as our country is so small, millions of people are coming, it will be a mess.

“But no, it is very

calm, and we are prepared.

“Even if we are feeling that we are not ready, God fixes it all.”

While Lisbon prepared for years to host

the weeklong gathering, Father Doyle, associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, sought to prepare the pilgrims during his homily.

My biggest takeaway from World Youth Day is that the church is truly universal! Attending Catholic school, I learned early on that ‘catholic’ means ‘universal.’ While attending WYD, I was able to experience the universal church personally: First and most expansively, I attended Mass with 1.5 million pilgrims. . . . Second, I experienced the beauty of the Catholic Church in America while attending a talk with Bishop Robert Barron. . . . Finally, I experienced the unity of the church within our archdiocese. I met new people from around the archdiocese and reconnected with others I knew. I loved sharing the World Youth Day experience with such a fantastic group from right here in Kansas City.

“God loves us in a beautiful, reckless way,” he said, “and he invites us to receive that love. And in order to do that, we must be willing to live free from fear, be

people that give rather than take, and to use suffering to glorify God.

“We will have a really cool opportunity to be with millions of people who came to Lisbon for this gathering, but every single one of them has a unique, unrepeatable story that we are called to love.”

The pilgrims from northeast Kansas were eagerly anticipating the days ahead.

“I am so excited for all the experiences of going to Mass at different places every day, seeing all the people and being in a new environment,” said Elizabeth Ginzel of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka.

“I wanted the experience of doing this,” she added, “but to really see that there are millions of Catholics from across the world will be so cool!”

My highlight was when we did the candlelight procession in Fátima. It began with a rosary said in multiple languages, and you could hear and see the universality of the church. It was incredible to think that so many people had come from all across the world to honor Mary in a procession.

AJ Hastings,

17

23 Church of the Nativity, Leawood

Ariana Brancato,

Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea

Jack Figge (far right) walks through the streets of Seixal, Portugal, with pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Attending World Youth Day as a journalist helped him see firsthand the impact the experience was having on the pilgrims’ faith lives.

From left, Kenya Diaz-Gallegos, Sister Maria Dolores, PJC, and archdiocesan seminarians Dan Mauro and Juan Vazquez spend time playing games and talking at Kansas City International Airport as they await their flight to Chicago to begin their World Youth Day journey.

“EVERY TIME WE COME HERE [TO FÁTIMA], WE MUST REMEMBER THIS: MARY MADE HERSELF PRESENT HERE IN A SPECIAL WAY, SO THAT THE DISBELIEF OF SO MANY HEARTS WOULD OPEN UP TO JESUS; WITH HER PRESENCE, SHE POINTS US TO JESUS.” Pope Francis to pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima

AN ADVENTURE’

“You are from Kansas!” exclaimed Klemens Muthsam in a thick accent. “Go Chiefs!”

The World Youth Day pilgrims met Muthsam, a pilgrim from Austria, during a prayer service at the Sanctuary of Fátima on July 30.

Pilgrims prayed the rosary, switching languages every half decade. The event concluded with a candlelight procession around the square and the pilgrims chanting the “Salve Regina.”

“Singing the ‘Salve Regina’ with everybody was so powerful,” said McKinzie Horsley, a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing. “During that moment, I heard God say, ‘You are home.’

“Being surrounded by all these Catholics from all around the world was so beautiful. Even though we had never met, we all shared one faith.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann reflected on the theme of a global church when the pilgrims gathered for Mass in the Hotel Avenida. He spoke about that Saturday’s Gospel reading, the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and the importance of family.

“As we celebrate the feast of these siblings, we give thanks for our families and realize that we are part of a broader family,” said the archbishop. “Not all will go according to plan during these next coming days, but the Lord wants us to encounter him here.”

The pilgrims had already experienced

wayward plans.

The group that connected through O’Hare Airport in Chicago, including the archbishop, experienced a three-hour delay Friday evening, meaning that only one group of pilgrims had the opportunity to tour the holy sites of Fátima on Saturday.

“It’s an adventure!” joked the archbishop

before Mass.

The group had visited the site where the Blessed Virgin appeared to three children — Sts. Jacinta and Francisco Marto and Venerable Lucia Santos — in 1917, delivering three prophecies.

Pilgrims like Ariana Brancato of Church of the Nativity in Leawood were deeply moved.

“One thing that was really powerful was that the homily was about the power of family because it was the feast day of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus,” said Brancato.

“We got to see the tombs and houses of Saints Jacinta and Francisco,” she continued. “I saw a lot of parallels between the feast day and the story of the children

of Fátima, which was beautiful.”

Archbishop Naumann had another important message for the pilgrims to keep in mind during their journey.

“A pilgrimage is not a vacation; it is something better,” he said. “It is better because you will return with a deeper friendship with the Lord.”

GENEROSITY OF RURAL PARISH SENDS FIVE TO WORLD YOUTH DAY

Sending a group to World Youth Day was not on Caitlin Schneider’s radar until a high schooler suggested it 18 months ago.

Schneider, youth minister at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea, asked her teens during the 2022 Rural Catholic Conference what they wanted to do as a youth group.

AJ Hastings immediately responded: “World Youth Day.”

“The second I heard about World Youth Day, I knew that I had to be there,” said Hastings. “It was just on my heart that I had to find a way there.”

Hesitant about taking a group to Lisbon, Schneider said she would bring it up to the parish council but would make no promises.

The parish eagerly

agreed, offering to host fundraising events for the pilgrims. Over the next year, the pilgrims spoke at parish events and asked for funds after Masses.

Within that time, they had raised the money to fund the entire trip for three students and two chaperones.

“When we first started

fundraising, one of the ladies at the parish council meeting — when I expressed that I was nervous about fundraising — said that Queen of

the Holy Rosary is such a generous parish, all you have to do is ask and everything you need will be provided,” said Schneider.

“I think we were all astounded at how quickly things with the fundraising came together,” she added.

Hastings and Schneider were joined by Tatum Schumaker, Sydney Nellor and her mother Roxanne on the pilgrimage.

“Being from rural Kansas, you get to see the world in a different perspective,” said Schumaker. “To see Fátima and to see the world through a different lens has been so wonderful. It has taught me that I can’t take anything for granted.”

Sunday Mass in Fátima gave them a taste of the global church.

The Mass, celebrated by the archbishop of

Boston, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, was said in Portuguese, but priests from across the world took turns reading the Gospel in their respective languages.

“I loved the Sunday Mass in Fátima and hearing all the languages,” said Sydney Nellor. “It shows a broader spectrum of what’s around the world. I hope to share this experience with my parish.”

Schneider hoped the pilgrims would leave with the courage to evangelize at the parish that made the trip possible.

“My hope is that these high schoolers have an encounter with the Lord and learn to be the light of Christ to all they meet,” she said. “That way, they can go back and share all they saw and learned with the entire parish!”

Caitlin Schneider, youth minister at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea, prays during the Aug. 5 vigil with young people and Pope Francis at Parque Tejo in Lisbon.

Pilgrims from around the world gather at the Sanctuary of Fátima the evening of July 30 to pray the rosary and participate in a candlelight procession around the square.

‘IT’S

DESPITE DELAYS, FÁTIMA, MASS AND PROCESSION KICK OFF WYD EXPERIENCE

“I INVITE YOU, THINK — THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL — THAT GOD LOVES US AS WE ARE, NOT HOW WE WOULD LIKE TO BE OR HOW SOCIETY WANTS US TO BE, AS WE ARE. HE LOVES US WITH THE LIMITS WE HAVE, WITH THE DEFECTS WE HAVE, AND WITH THE DESIRE WE HAVE TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD IN LIFE!”

Pope Francis during the welcome ceremony

TWO PILGRIMS’ VOCATIONS INSPIRED BY OUR LADY OF FÁTIMA

Eventually, Sister M. Karolyn Nunes’ prayers worked. It just took a couple of years . . . and some tears.

Each “house community” at St. James Academy in Lenexa spiritually adopted a seminarian for the summer of 2014.

Sister M. Karolyn’s house was assigned to pray for Luke Doyle. But her students inadvertently left the entire month of July uncovered, so she wound up praying for him that entire time.

A year later, she ran into Doyle in a stroke of God’s providence at St. James. Sister M. Karolyn had been assigned to teach there three years prior, and Doyle took a job teaching theology after he discerned out of the seminary.

“We met right after he started at St. James,” said Sister M. Karolyn. “The very first question he ever asked me was: ‘So . . . what is it like to be a bride of Christ?’

“I immediately thought to myself: ‘What’s it like to be a weird seminary dropout who would ask a question like that?’”

So began a beautiful friendship rooted in Jesus Christ.

And all those prayers Sister M. Karolyn had offered up for Doyle? They didn’t go unanswered, as he was ordained a priest in 2021.

“Just to know that I have a spiritual mom and I have a very close friend who is doing the same thing in her own world in her own way is beautiful,” said Father Doyle.

Father Doyle takes

‘WALKING IN THE LAND THEY KNOW NOT’

Cars honked, pedestrians waved and even videos were made of the 89 archdiocesan pilgrims hauling their luggage through the streets of Seixal, Portugal, on July 31.

Not knowing what to expect, they arrived at Nossa Senhora da Anunciada, only to be warmly welcomed by local youth volunteers.

“I really enjoy these moments when I can be with people of the same faith,” said Alexandre Ferreira, a local fourthyear university student, “and this time is to forget

about the world and get to meet new people and show them the city and things we love.”

Outside the church, volunteers taught the pilgrims a traditional Portuguese dance and formed a conga line.

To return the favor, College II seminarian Jimmy Mendoza led the pilgrims in teaching the volunteers the “church clap” dance.

Emily Madden, a parishioner at St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, embraced the opportunity to join in.

“It was really cool talking with the locals

comfort “knowing that I can always find a place of refuge in my friendship with Sister M. Karolyn, and I don’t have to hide, but I can be held, to be seen, to be loved, as I really am.”

A devotion to Our Lady of Fátima helped both friends discern their vocations, making the World Youth Day pilgrimage extra special.

“After I left seminary formation, the church was approaching the 100th anniversary of the feast of Our Lady of Fátima,” said Father Doyle. “I reconsecrated my life and vocation to Mary.

“Looking back on what’s happened in my own personal story since then, that really was kind of a doorway that opened for the Blessed Mother

to be able to just help me open myself more to Jesus’ presence and the love of the Father in my life.”

Sister M. Karolyn, meanwhile, had visited Fátima when she was 19. She was studying abroad with Franciscan University of Steubenville, grappling with making her faith and Marian devotion her own.

“That visit to Fátima

was the start of some deeper conversion in my own heart,” she said.

“As I was going down the square [on] my knees, I looked up and saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the middle of the square with his arms wide open.

“I realized that I need to go to Jesus through Mary, and through that, a deeper conversion began in my heart and continued to grow and brought me to a place of greater freedom and acceptance.”

Freedom and acceptance in the spiritual life allowed both friends to pursue and fulfill their vocations, and they believe their friendship is a witness to a countercultural lifestyle that encourages men and women to foster relationships centered on Jesus Christ.

“We live in a culture that’s all about posturing — posturing and performing,” said Father Doyle. “We live in this lie that in order to be loved, we have to look like we have it all together.

“For me, the sign of a true friend is somebody that I can allow into my life and not see the performance but actually share the hot . . . mess that is Father Luke Doyle.”

narrow, ancient streets of Seixal expanded their view of the world.

“The first thing I thought when I walked into Seixal was that everything was smaller than in America,” said Theology I seminarian Trey Niesen. “It was great to see everybody peeking out of their houses and waving ‘hi’ to us.”

The warm welcome was a powerful witness to Christian hospitality and offered fresh insight into the Bible.

and hearing how they are a small town and a close-knit community but that we are bringing light and joy to them,”

said Madden. “They were explaining their everyday life and how they practice the faith, which was cool.”

The strengths of World Youth Day lie not in its ‘showiness,’ the well-choreographed dances, the modern look from its graphic designs, the technologically impressive drone art, etc. Rather, its strength was the strength of the cross: suffering. Hundreds of thousands of Catholics made a pilgrimage where we suffered together for Christ. Our group slept on gym floors on good days and on swampy, muddy fields on bad ones. We were tired, hot and really dehydrated, but the same could be said of Christ. For me, the suffering made the whole trip worth it.

The lived pilgrim experiences of riding in compact elevators, eating cold cuts for breakfast and walking through the

“I feel like the Israelites right now, walking in the land they know not,” said Niesen. “Having the people here be genuinely interested in us makes me feel like we are connecting to the rest of the world.”

The most impactful part of my trip was the procession of the Virgin Mary at Fátima. It just strengthened my faith in the power of praying to Mary. Being able to share this with my daughter was wonderful.

Michael Santamarina,

20 Seminarian from Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

Roxanne Nellor Chaperone from Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea

Father Luke Doyle and Sister M. Karolyn Nunes pray the rosary together as they walk through the square at the Sanctuary of Fátima on July 31. A devotion to Our Lady of Fátima helped the two friends discover their vocational calls.

Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas show local volunteers the “church clap” dance in the streets of Seixal, Portugal, on July 31.

“IT IS JESUS HIMSELF WHO IS LOOKING AT YOU, AT THIS MOMENT. HE IS LOOKING AT US. HE KNOWS YOU, HE KNOWS THE HEART OF EACH ONE OF YOU . . . AND HE SAYS TO YOU TODAY, HERE, IN LISBON, AT THIS WORLD YOUTH DAY, ‘DO NOT BE AFRAID. DO NOT BE AFRAID. TAKE HEART, DO NOT BE AFRAID.’”

Pope Francis during his homily at the concluding Mass

‘A GREAT SPIRITUAL FATHER’

Deacon Jody Madden’s phone pinged. It was a text from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann asking how the group was doing after the all-night prayer vigil at World Youth Day.

During his time in Lisbon, the archbishop often tried to escape the hotel where the U.S. bishops were staying to check in on his flock. But when that was difficult, he sent texts and called the chaperones to make sure they were safe.

“They take good care of us bishops on these pilgrimages,” said Archbishop Naumann. “But our pilgrims really lived this kind of heroic life, in a crowd of 1.5 million, that can be kind of scary

for somebody coming from Kansas.

“I’m so grateful to our chaperones, our priests and all the people that take care of them. But ultimately, it’s my responsibility. And there’s a lot of things that can go wrong on a pilgrimage like this. So, I want to check in and see [if] our pilgrims need anything.”

Archbishop Naumann flew with archdiocesan pilgrims from Chicago, stayed with the group in Fátima for two days, frequently celebrated daily Mass for them and joined them for events.

“Personally, this pilgrimage has been a grace to be able to spend time with brother bishops in a more informal atmosphere than that

at our meetings,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“But the greatest grace is that World Youth Day gives me great hope for the future,” he continued, “to be with our pilgrims and to see their openness to the Lord and their love for the Lord.”

Pilgrims like Brennan Johnston, a college student from Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

in Overland Park, were grateful for his frequent appearances.

“Archbishop Naumann is one of the coolest people I have ever met,” said Johnston. “He is a great spiritual father [and] such an amazing shepherd.

“The way he loves the Lord and burns for God — to have that example with us while we do things that aren’t

ARCHDIOCESAN PRIESTS BRING IMPROMPTU CONFESSIONS TO CATECHESIS SESSION

An empty parking lot turned into a field of grace after three archdiocesan priests broke off to separate corners, donned purple stoles and started hearing confessions.

Pilgrims arose early to attend the morning catechesis session at Parque Urbano do Silvado on Aug. 2. As they waited, they played hacky sack and talked with each other.

The group’s priests — Fathers Luke Doyle, Thomas Maddock and Dan Morris — saw an opportunity during the downtime to provide pilgrims with the sacrament of reconciliation.

“There was a desire among members of our

group to have more designated times for confession,” said Father Maddock, associate pastor at Christ the King Church in Topeka. “It wasn’t my idea, but I was more than happy to jump in and start hearing confessions.”

The idea came from archdiocesan vocation director Father Dan Morris, and after seeing the example of the Kansas City priests, other priests set up their own confessionals.

“The priesthood is universal,” said Father Maddock. “When I see another brother priest hearing confessions, that is beautiful because we are on mission together.

“My priesthood isn’t just for the Archdiocese

of Kansas City in Kansas. It is for every person in the world so that they can receive God’s mercy and love.”

The act set a powerful example of a priest’s servant heart for the seminarians traveling with the group.

“Seeing those priests [hear] confessions while we were waiting for the session to start really was another reminder to me of what the priesthood is,” said Theology II seminarian Alex Rickert.

“To see them hearing and realize that is what a priest does was really encouraging,” he continued. “It was such a simple thing — there is nothing complicated about it — you just show up, put on

a purple stole and be a channel of God’s mercy.”

As the catechesis session ended, James, a pilgrim from Dallas, sought Father Maddock out, gave him a hug and thanked him for hearing his confession, reminding Father Maddock of the sacrament’s power.

“Having these designated times for confession gives people an invitation to meet the Lord and receive his mercy,” said Father Maddock.

“God has a ton of grace in store for everyone on this trip,” he continued. “That grace and that mercy is communicated through confession, and then that mercy opens them up to receive more grace during the rest of this pilgrimage.”

Nothing prepared me for the prayers that would be answered on this trip. I have been praying for humility for over a year now, and not surrendering to it at all. Well, God showed up in a big way. Having emergent surgery two days prior to leaving for Portugal, I was forced to humble myself to let others help me. Whether it was pushing me in a wheelchair along a cobblestone road for miles or carrying my big luggage up five flights of stairs or through the airports, this KCK group went above and beyond to show me what true Christ-centered service looks like. I will forever be changed.

Joanna Crawford Chaperone from Christ the King Parish, Topeka

fun, like sleeping in a mud pit at the vigil — to see his care and love for us as well as God has been such an incredible grace.”

While the youth have learned from the archbishop’s example, they, too, have inspired him.

“I think we can get discouraged in the United States,” said Archbishop Naumann. “We talk about Mass

attendance decreasing in some places, and we can have this sense of the churches growing smaller.

“But when you come here and see people from all over the world, it’s really great encouragement to be together with the church throughout the world and see its youth, to see its vibrancy.”

In Lisbon, I received a glimpse of the universal church. There were people from Portugal (obviously), Spain, France, Germany, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, Lebanon, people from all parts of the U.S., etc. Every other person seemed to speak a different language. It was amazing to see the church, so complex and yet one. She is truly the work of God!

Will Sutherland, 24 Seminarian from Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

Father Dan Morris, right, says the prayer of absolution over Father Thomas Maddock before the pair offer the sacrament of reconciliation to pilgrims at Parque Urbano do Silvado Aug. 2.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann walks the streets of Fátima, Portugal, with his fellow pilgrims from northeast Kansas.

“THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE IN THE CHURCH, THE YOUNG AND OLD, THE HEALTHY AND THE SICK, THE RIGHTEOUS AND SINNERS: EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE.” Pope Francis during the welcome ceremony

‘THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE IN THE CHURCH,’ SAYS POPE

To much fanfare and pomp, Pope Francis arrived at the opening ceremony of World Youth Day on Aug. 3, reminding the youth of the world that God calls and loves each one of them.

Winding through the crowds in the popemobile, Pope Francis waved and greeted the youth, blessing the crowd before he took the stage.

Alec King from Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park was inspired by the pope’s presence.

“I thought it was inspiring to all of us to go out and live our faith,” said King. “It’s amazing how all these people from diverse countries are coming to one city to celebrate the faith.”

The opening ceremony included a dance performance, and young people read letters to the pope, addressing their concerns, such as environmental sustainability and not feeling welcome

at their parish.

“This evening, you have also asked me questions, many questions,” said Pope Francis. “It is right to ask questions —

BISHOP BARRON CALLS ON YOUTH TO EMBRACE THEIR MISSION

Before the gathering of American youth at World Youth Day, Rick Cheek ran into an old acquaintance — Bishop Robert Barron, founder of the Word on Fire Institute.

Bishop Barron was walking toward the stage to speak to the 20,000 American teens gathered in Parque da Quinta das Conchas on Aug. 2 when he was briefly interrupted.

“I called out to Bishop Barron, saying, ‘Hey, this is Rick Cheek,’” said Cheek. “He waved and walked two steps before he stopped, turned around and said, ‘You

are Jared’s dad.’”

“Him stopping by and saying, ‘Hey, I just want you to know that I think of Jared often and pray for you often’ — that was beautiful,” said Cheek.

The consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation for youth, Cheek met Bishop Barron in 2011, six years after his son Jared died.

Jared was a seminarian for the archdiocese and was taught by Bishop Barron when he was on the faculty at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois.

“When I first met Bishop Barron, he said that he still has one of Jared’s papers that he

Throughout World Youth Day, I was blessed to be surrounded by fellow Catholics. I met Catholics from other countries and made friends with those in our archdiocese. It was a good reminder that many young people are strong in their faith. Daily Mass with Archbishop Naumann was a highlight, as God inspired me through him.

James Block, 17 Church of the Nativity, Leawood

indeed, it is often better than giving answers, for whoever asks remains ‘restless,’ and restlessness is the best remedy for mere routine.”

During his address, Pope Francis talked extensively about how each person is known and loved by God, who has a plan for each of them.

“At this World Youth Day, let us help each other to recognize this fundamental reality: May these days be vibrant echoes of God’s call of

love, for we are precious in his eyes, despite what our own eyes, clouded by negativity and dazzled by so many distractions, sometimes see,” he said. He pleaded with the youth to make the church a home for all people.

“Dear friends, I want to make this clear to you who are allergic to dishonesty and to empty words: There is room for everyone in the church,” he said, “and where there is not, then, please, we must make room.”

The pope’s message resonated with pilgrims like Doug Leikam, the youth minister at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.

“Pope Francis talked [about] how Christ has called us all by name individually and how we are to be not afraid,” said Leikam. “It was a great time, and as we continue our pilgrimage, we are incredibly blessed to bring that message and our prayers with us.”

mission at the end when he said that our religion put a man on the cross,” said College II seminarian Jimmy Mendoza.

“Our religion is not one that holds up safety.

“To me, that was a call to mission, of motivation that the Lord is calling me to action, to not just live out of fear but live out of love and joy.”

Later that night, the 20,000 young people gathered in the park fell silent and dropped to their knees during a eucharistic procession.

refers to once in a while. That really touched my heart — that he still frequently thinks about Jared,” said Cheek.

After catching up with Cheek, Bishop Barron spoke about the new evangelization and called

on Catholics to leave behind “safe spaces” and embrace their mission.

“A religion that puts a man on a cross is not a religion that prioritizes safety,” he said. “The saints don’t strike me as people that

focused on safety.”

Applause broke out as Bishop Barron concluded his talk. Seminarians from the archdiocese chanted, “MVP! MVP! MVP!”

“What really hit me the most was the call to

“[Eucharistic] adoration was incredible,” said Mendoza. “Everybody around me was standing and talking. I couldn’t see anything. But as soon as Jesus processed by, everyone knelt [and] was silent for the entire hour.

“With 20,000 Americans, I don’t know any other time it has been silent for longer than five minutes.”

There is one day in particular that really stands out for me — a day we spent at the Church of St. Catherine. I thought we were just there for a talk by Archbishop Naumann, but we also heard testimonies from other priests, songs from youth around the world, [had] an opportunity for confession and celebrated holy Mass. As I knelt for eucharistic adoration, I was so thankful to be in that beautiful church, in Portugal, among the many people who shared my faith. I couldn’t help but wonder who would have worshiped there in that space before me thousands of years ago. As Archbishop Naumann held up the monstrance during Benediction, a burst of sunlight from a small upper window illuminated the Eucharist. It was a powerful moment that brought real tears to my eyes. I knew Jesus was there.

Jenny VanLeeuwen

Chaperone from Mother Teresa Church, Topeka

Bishop Robert Barron greets Rick Cheek while Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann looks on. Bishop Barron taught Cheek’s son Jared at Mundelein Seminary before Jared passed away in 2005.

Catholics from around the world gather at Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 3 for the World Youth Day welcoming ceremony with Pope Francis. The pope spoke extensively about God’s unique love for each individual person.

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

PILGRIMS RELY ON DAILY MASS TO MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

Twists, turns and a changing schedule are part of the daily life of a pilgrim.

But there was one constant in the day-today life of those traveling to Portugal from northeast Kansas: the Eucharist.

Every day, the group participated in Mass — whether it be in a hotel ballroom, with thousands of pilgrims in Fátima or inside the gorgeous churches in Seixal.

During his homily at Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann preached on the importance of the Eucharist.

“After we receive

Communion, we become living tabernacles,” said Archbishop Naumann. “That time after Communion is a special time, a powerful time when the Lord is uniquely present to us.”

Pope Francis also expressed the importance of devotion to the Eucharist while he prayed vespers with clergy on Aug. 2.

“Only in adoration, only in the presence of the Lord, do we truly rediscover our taste and passion for evangelization,” said Pope Francis. “Oddly enough, we have lost the prayer of adoration; and everyone — priests, bishops consecrated men and women — need to recover it, this

TALKING IT OVER

By Jay Soldner Special to The Leaven

The Leaven’s photographer Jay Soldner talked with Rhiannon Good of Christ the King Parish in Topeka about her World Youth Day experience.

Q. Why did you go to World Youth Day?

A. Because my mom went in Denver [in 1993]. And she said it was a really fun experience, so I wanted to go to bond with her and deepen my faith a little bit.

Q. Can you tell me about a time on the trip when a person’s kindness made a difference for you?

A. Our host family on our first night, when we had just gotten into Lisbon and everyone was getting dropped off at the schools, we got to their home and they had made us this full, big dinner — a home-cooked meal. It was just amazing.

Q. What was the biggest challenge for you personally on the trip?

A. Keeping a positive attitude when anything got hard, like walking and sweating and being hot. Just offering it up and being, like, it’s part of the experience. So, just trying to stay positive through that.

Q. Is it too early to name a highlight of the

ability to be quiet in the Lord’s presence.”

In an interview with The Leaven, Archbishop Naumann expressed the importance of the Eucharist while on pilgrimage.

“On a pilgrimage, you get hungry. You have to nourish yourself if

you’re going to make an arduous journey,” he said. “That’s what our walk through this world is — an arduous journey.

“We need the spiritual food in the Eucharist to give us the nourishment to continue on this journey and pursue heaven.”

Pilgrims like Andrea Moya from St. Paul Parish in Olathe found that daily Mass and regular eucharistic adoration provided an opportunity to recenter her day and momentarily escape the chaotic nature of World Youth Day.

“The Eucharist is important for a pilgrimage because it is a reminder of receiving new life from Jesus, and that is a big motivator to keep going,” said Moya. “It is a reminder of the joy that we are meant to share with one another.”

trip for you?

A. Our group from Christ the King . . . we all went to Santarem. We asked if we could go see [the host] up close, and

I signed up for this pilgrimage with my 15-year-old daughter, so she might have the same experience that I had as a teenager, 30 years ago at WYD 1993 in Denver. I didn’t expect that I would have such a profound experience myself. There are so many ways that God revealed himself to our group through this trip. We started keeping a list because there were so many, we were afraid we would forget them once we were back in our everyday lives. As a confirmation teacher, this experience has reignited my passion for teaching the Catholic faith to our youth!

Sarah Good Chaperone from Christ the King Parish, Topeka

they let us go see it, and I was face-to-face with the eucharistic miracle. That was the highlight.

Q. If you could replay your favorite

memories from Portugal, what would they be?

A. Playing Uno with our host family. They had little kids, and every night, they would ask us

to play Uno. No matter where we were, no matter how we were feeling, we always said ‘yes,’ and it was so much fun.

Q. How was the trip different than you might have imagined going in?

A. Going into it, I don’t even know what I expected. But it just blew me away when we were there, seeing everyone. I went into it kind of thinking it’s going to be really cool, we’re going to be in big groups, we’re going to do a couple things. But no, we got there, and it was go, go, go, and it was a lot of fun.

If I could choose one highlight from the trip to Portugal, I would have to say the welcoming ceremony where the pope paraded in. When he came parading in, it brought me so much joy and brought tears to my eyes. Not only could I feel the happiness for myself, but I could feel the happiness from everyone else that was there to welcome him. It was overall a great experience and moment to see so many different people from around the world ready to spread the word of God together as a whole with the pope.

Skylar

Neiberger, 16 Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka

“THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD NEED YOU, THE YOUNG, AS MUCH AS THE EARTH NEEDS RAIN.”

Pope Francis during his homily at the concluding Mass

Theology II seminarian Alex Rickert prepares to receive Communion during Mass at the Sanctuary of Fátima on July 30. For many of the archdiocesan pilgrims, the opportunity to attend Mass each day of the trip was special.

Rhiannon Good, 15, of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, trades trinkets she brought from Kansas with a group of Italians at World Youth Day.

For more Q&As from World Youth Day, go online to: theleaven.org and follow us on Facebook @theleavenkc.

‘GOD IS CALLING YOU BY NAME’

An historic million-and-a-half young Catholics flock to Portugal to celebrate their shared faith at World Youth Day

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann takes part in the procession at the beginning of Mass at the Sanctuary he spent with his fellow bishops at World Youth Day but said he was even more grateful to be with his flock

Deacon Aaron Waldeck distributes Communion to Sister M. Karolyn Nunes during Mass at the Church of

Pilgrims awoke early to watch the sunrise over the Tagus River on Aug. 6, the morning of the concluding Mass for World Youth Day.

Seminarians Landry Weber, right, and Zachary McGuinness help pilgrims from Australia light their candles before the candlelight procession and rosary in Fátima the evening of July 29.

Pope Francis joined World Youth Day travelers from the stage for a vigil with young people at Parque Tejo the evening of Aug. 5.

of Fátima on July 30. He enjoyed the time flock from northeast Kansas.

of Our Lady of the Annunciation on Aug. 1 in Seixal.

gathers at the Sanctuary of Fátima on Aug. 5, the day Pope Francis led the rosary people suffering from health problems inside the Chapel of the Apparitions.

Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas pause for a quick selfie with two friendly fellow pilgrims as they walk the streets of Fátima where Blessed Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto grew up.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd gathered along the street as he leaves the rosary for the sick in Fátima by popemobile on Aug. 5.

The Church of St. Catherine in Lisbon is packed to the brim on Aug. 4 as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass for pilgrims from around the world.

“WHAT IS MORE, YOU ARE A SIGN OF PEACE FOR THE WORLD, SHOWING HOW DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES, LANGUAGES AND HISTORIES CAN UNITE INSTEAD OF DIVIDE. YOU ARE THE HOPE OF A DIFFERENT WORLD.”

Pope Francis during his homily at the concluding Mass

PILGRIMS EMBRACE SIMPLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Nobody said World Youth Day would be a vacation. And the accommodations and transit nightmare proved it.

Yet while an adjustment, the simple accommodations made World Youth Day even more memorable.

When the pilgrims arrived in Seixal, they were eagerly greeted by their Portuguese hosts. Some families were in host homes, but most slept on a gym floor, enduring the endless snoring of their 30 roommates.

But pilgrims like Sacred Heart, Ottawa, parishioner Emma Phelps soon found the good in sleeping on a gym floor with no A/C.

“The gym floor wasn’t bad; it was definitely a bonding experience,” she said. “There was a lot of community built by sleeping on the gym floor. It was difficult because

there was no A/C and it got super-hot.”

On Saturday, the pilgrims gladly traded the stuffy, hot gym for the cool night air during the

overnight vigil at Parque Tejo. But the overnight experience came with its own trials. With 1.5 million other pilgrims, the archdiocesan group

NEWLYWED COUPLE JOINS A

Matt Sweet planned to only be in the bathroom for a bit, but he still told his new bride Emily, “I love you,” before he went inside the crowded supermarket that was providing relief to the huge crowds of World Youth Day.

Six weeks ago, Emily and Matt were married at All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Before they even met, Matt knew that he wanted to attend World Youth Day 2023.

His good friend Doug Leikam, the youth minister at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, invited Matt to attend. He extended that

invitation to Emily once they started dating, but she declined the initial offer.

“We decided that in order to have freedom in our relationship and not be feeling obliged to stay with each other because of World Youth Day that she would not come,” said Matt. “But then I proposed, we got married and she signed up.”

After their engagement, they decided to turn World Youth Day into their honeymoon, along with a backpacking trip through Germany at the end of the event.

While not a typical honeymoon, it gave them a unique opportunity to

grow as a young couple and recognize their priorities.

“We want to live our life very intentionally in the church,” said Emily. “Seeing the universal church has expanded our eyes and our ears to what the church truly is.

“World Youth Day has given us strength and validity about how we want to raise our future children in the faith and has started us off on the right path.”

“It’s been special as newlyweds to slow down a little bit,” she continued. “It’s a very happy time to be newlyweds, and I think this pilgrimage has helped in returning back to that spirit of really loving Matthew as

At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis offered one last ‘obrigado’ (‘thank you’) to our grandparents who ‘passed on the horizon of a lifetime.’ Having been raised close to my father’s Portuguese culture, I was especially moved in the days that I had to pray on Portuguese soil and to be with the people in our host village. The ‘horizon of a lifetime’ for me has been Jesus, and he has led me on the great adventure of my religious vocation that has meant sharing life with people in Kansas City and being able to accompany old and new friends on this pilgrimage.

Sister M. Karolyn Nunes Vocation director for the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George

struggled to find space to make camp, and when they did, they were packed in like sardines. To make matters worse, the nearby water station

began leaking, quickly turning the campsite into a swamp.

“I was not expecting to be in the mud,” said Skylar Neiberger, a

parishioner at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka. “I thought that I was far enough away, and I was sitting on my sleeping bag and soon felt it getting wet. I had to ditch the sleeping bag and just basically sleep in the mud that night.”

Even though the sleeping arrangements were not ideal, the pilgrims grew to appreciate the simple lifestyle and recognized the ways it influenced their World Youth Day experience.

“The simple accommodations made it easier to be open and experience everything because you are not looking forward to anything at the end of the day,” said Phelps. “The reason you are at World Youth Day is everything you get to do during the day, and sleeping on the gym floor made those experiences so valuable.”

a person.”

Matt and Emily met through Young Adults of the Lamb, a community of laity that meets every Monday night with the Little Brothers and Sisters of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Sweets found that World Youth Day was the perfect opportunity

to live out their mission as lay members of the Lamb.

“Pope Francis talked about how we are called by our names,” said Matt. “What I received from that message is this call to live my own name — Sweet — which means ‘meek.’

“Being in another

country with a whole bunch of other people who have other needs and trying to take care of my wife and love her at the same time has brought so many opportunities to try to live this meekness and live like the Lamb.”

I just started a young adult youth group in my parish. It has been a little hard since most of them haven’t really been trying their best to go and be part of it. Before leaving to Lisbon to the pilgrimage, I thought about closing the group, but while [being] there and [seeing] how many youth there were and how much devotion they had, it gave me strength to keep the group going and to help my youth strengthen in their faith. I just have to be patient, and God is the one that will make everything work in the right time!

Yairet Reyes, 20 Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kansas

Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas sleep outside on the ground at Parque Tejo during the overnight vigil before the concluding Mass of World Youth Day.

Matt and Emily Sweet were married at All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, six weeks before kicking off their honeymoon at World Youth Day with Catholics from all over the world.

MILLION PILGRIMS ON THEIR HONEYMOON

By Jay Soldner Special to The Leaven

On Aug. 5, Pope Francis visited Fátima to pray the rosary with World Youth Day pilgrims and others who came to the site from around the world.

Approximately 200,000 people filled the square and the surrounding perimeter of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima. The large crowd was treated to a flyover by

“THERE IS NO ABSTRACT LOVE; IT DOESN’T EXIST. CONCRETE LOVE IS THAT WHICH GETS ITS HANDS DIRTY.”

Pope Francis to charity workers

WYD

PILGRIM REFLECTS ON HIS WORLD YOUTH DAY EXPERIENCE

By Jay Soldner Special to The Leaven

The Leaven’s Jay Soldner talked with a few archdiocesan pilgrims about their World Youth Day experience. Here’s what he found out from Brennan Johnston of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park.

Q. Can you tell me about a time on the trip when a person’s kindness made a difference for you?

A. We had a little bit of dehydration sickness going on. Joanne was one of the chaperones and a nurse, and she helped take care of a lot of people and made sure that everybody was hydrated and made sure that everybody got to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Q. What was the biggest challenge for you personally?

that inflate. And the gym floor didn’t bother me at all.

Q. If you could replay your favorite memories from Portugal, what would they be?

A. Fátima’s pretty high up there. Being able to see that and see the holy sites of the children of Fátima and be in the place where it all happened was really awesome.

Q. How was the trip different than you imagined going in?

A. I didn’t really have any expectations coming in, but it was definitely more [of a] commute than I thought it would be.

Q. Going in, you were open to the idea that everything might not go as planned?

A. Very open.

Q. How did that go?

the papal helicopter as Pope Francis waved from above.

After circling the Basilica Square twice, the helicopter landed in an adjacent field, and shortly afterward, the motorcade of Vatican security vehicles led the way for the popemobile.

After arriving, the pope was greeted enthusiastically by the massive crowd.

Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho of Fátima spoke alongside the Holy Father, calling for peace

in worldwide conflicts — especially those that target children — and specifically mentioned the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to the crowd from inside the Chapel of the Apparitions, the pope reiterated his message from the night before when he spoke at Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon — that the Catholic Church is for everyone: “Por todos, por todos, por todos.”

Each decade of the rosary was recited by a sick young person in their own language as

Despite minor difficulties, my journeys at World Youth Day were filled with graces and experiences of God’s presence. The most profound graces were given when I traveled to Santiago de Compostela with other seminarians. Our journey led us to the final resting place of countless saints, including St. Elizabeth of Portugal and the Five Franciscan Protomartyrs in the city of Coimbra and the tomb of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Encountering all of these relics was certainly moving, but encountering them with brother seminarians was life-changing.

John Donart, 26 Seminarian from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Shawnee

the crowd responded in dozens of languages.

After the prayer gathering, the pope again made his way slowly through the people gathered in the square as he shook hands and spoke with several on the way out.

Following the rosary, Pope Francis went back to Lisbon for the final events of World Youth Day: a Saturday night prayer vigil and a Sunday morning Mass at Parque Tejo with a crowd of 1.5 million pilgrims.

A. For me personally, it was probably the amount of walking and traveling that we had to do. I ended up with some pretty gnarly blisters on my feet, and just having to keep going day after day was a little rough.

Q. Is it too early to name a highlight of the trip?

A. I absolutely loved the [prayer] vigil, being able to camp out under the sky with 1.5 million people.

Q. How did you sleep?

A. I actually slept pretty well. We got those little ground mats

A. There were definitely things that did not go as planned. You’ve got to roll with the punches. My philosophy was this is a pilgrimage. It’s not just a vacation where you get to go do everything awesome. Some things are going to suck, but if you embrace the suck then it will suck less, and you can really enjoy what God is doing in your life.

Q. What is a pilgrim nowadays?

A. To me, a pilgrim is somebody who is on a simple journey to a place where they can encounter God.

One of the most impactful moments of World Youth Day for me was during eucharistic adoration at the Saturday night vigil. A crowd of around one million people gathered in the park where holy Mass would be celebrated with Pope Francis the next morning. When the Eucharist was exposed, the crowd fell completely silent. In the silence, I could hear the wind as it swept in from the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I didn’t know it was possible for a crowd this big to be so silent.

Andrew Buyle,

26 Seminarian from Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa

The papal helicopter flies past the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima on Aug. 5 to the delight of pilgrims below.

‘POR TODOS, POR TODOS, POR TODOS’ THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS FOR EVERYONE, DECLARES POPE FRANCIS TO PILGRIMS AT ROSARY IN FÁTIMA

EMPLOYMENT

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The Church of the Nativity expects to pay market compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Nativity has a history of retaining its employees, who enjoy the advantages of working at a vibrant, collaborative, faith-based place of worship and education. Nativity Parish School is located at 3700 W. 119th, Leawood. Nativity offers a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should send resumes and work history to: mhyde@ kcnativity.org. No phone calls please.

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Instructional assistant (aide) - Holy Trinity School in Lenexa is seeking an instructional assistant (aide). This position supports both students and teachers. Interested candidates: Please contact Holy Trinity principal Scott Merfen at: smerfen@htslenexa.org.

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FOR SALE

For sale - Vintage Wurlitzer 2780 piano, (42” console) French Provincial Hallmark Cherry. Cambriole legs on piano and storage bench. Smoke-free home; excellent condition. Asking $500. Contact Maria at (913) 940-7296.

For sale - Two adjacent cemetery plots in the Henry addition of Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. Lots are 547 Center and 547 East. Current selling price for individual lots is $2400 each. Asking $4000 for both lots. Seller will pay the transfer fee. Call Mike at (214) 676-0993.

For sale - Two plots at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Located in Ascension Garden, plots 73C4 and plot 74D1. Asking $2500 each. Call (816) 838-7404.

For sale - Two cemetery plots at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Located in Assumption Garden across from the veterans memorial and under a tree. Valued at $5190, asking $4500. Call (913) 649-8072.

For sale - Double companion lawn crypt at Mount Moriah on Holmes Road, located in crypt #23, lot 37, block 23. Valued at $7000, asking $3500, including transfer fee. Call (913) 908-3828.

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).

For sale - Single plot suitable for regular burial or cremation. Mt. Calvary Cemetery, KCK. Section 11, lot 80, space 3-A. Valued at $2200. Sell for $2100 and I pay conveyance fee. Contact David at (913) 980-0042.

For sale - Double companion lawn crypt at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in section 10 L-19. Asking $8900; full package, not including headstone or memorial service. Call Patty at (913) 217-5497.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!

I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

REAL ESTATE

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

CAREGIVING

Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www.saintritahc.com; rmargush@saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

CNA - Can provide home care for those needing assistance. Available Monday - Friday. Serving Johnson County, Kansas. 20 years experience. Call Serina at (913) 526-0797.

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - Dec. 27, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024. Come ring in the New Year with us! Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

“WE, TOO, NEED LIGHT, A BURST OF LIGHT THAT IS HOPE TO FACE SO MUCH DARKNESS THAT ASSAILS US IN LIFE. [THAT LIGHT] IS JESUS, BECAUSE HE IS THE LIGHT THAT DOES NOT GO OUT, THE LIGHT THAT SHINES EVEN IN THE NIGHT.” Pope Francis during his homily at the concluding Mass

“THIS OLD MAN NOW SPEAKING TO YOU ALSO DREAMS THAT YOURS WILL BECOME A GENERATION OF TEACHERS! TEACHERS OF HUMANITY. TEACHERS OF COMPASSION. TEACHERS OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR PLANET AND ITS INHABITANTS. TEACHERS OF HOPE.”

Pope Francis to Catholic university students

GRIEFSHARE

Corpus Christi Parish

6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence

Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

We will be starting a 13-week GriefShare program for our parish and others in our community for those who have suffered loss from the death of a loved one. GriefShare is a national Christian-based support group. To take part in this program, send an email to Pat Pfannenstiel at: patpeg12@ att.net or call (785) 767-5631.

PICNIC AND BAZAAR

St. Columbkille Parish

13311 Hwy. 16, Blaine

Aug. 26 from 5:15 - 7:30 p.m.

Join us for our annual picnic and bazaar. A roast beef and ham dinner will be served. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 3 - 12; and ages 3 and under eat for free. Carryouts are available. There will also be cash bingo, a silent auction, quilt raffle, cakewalk and games.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall)

5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka

Aug. 27 at 12:40 p.m.

A rosary will be followed by the business meeting and social time. If anyone knows of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s prayers, call Diana Ortiz at (785) 213-0374.

‘THE LETTER: A MESSAGE FOR OUR EARTH’ FILM SCREENING

Colonial Church

7039 Mission Rd., Prairie Village

Aug. 27 from 4 - 6 p.m.

Join us for a screening of this film inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter “Laudato Si’” which explores Catholic teaching on creation in light of today’s ecological crisis.

TRUE FUNERAL COSTS AND YOUR OPTIONS

Keeler Women’s Center

759 Vermont Ave., 100-B, Kansas City, Kansas

Aug. 30 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Come and hear unbiased advice from experts who volunteer to educate and

support families in making informed decisions about death-related services consistent with their values and lifestyles.

RETROUVAILLE

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 1 -3

Is your marriage struggling or do you know one that is? Retrouvaille is a program that helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This is a practical program to improve communication and help couples connect. Sign up online at: www.helpourmarriage.org or call 1 (800) 470-2230.

BINGO NIGHT

Sacred Heart Parish

2646 S. 34 St., Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will be hosting bingo. Refreshments will be sold. There will be cash prizes. Questions? Call Bob at (913) 850-3348.

NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ABORTED CHILDREN

Gate of Heaven Cemetery

126th and Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 9 at 11 a.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will preside over the service. It will begin in the chapel and then process to the Memorial for Unborn Victims of Violence. For more information, call Tina Jinkens, vice president of Planned Parenthood Exposed, at (785) 615-8373.

HOLY ROSARY RALLY

Christ the King Parish

3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 10 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

ERIC GENIUS CONCERT

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

This fundraising concert for prison min-

istry will be given by composer, songwriter and storyteller Eric Genius. Enjoy a night with friends and raise funds for prison ministry. Freewill offering and sponsor opportunities are available by contacting Karen Kellerman online at: kkellerman@acseagles. org, or Chuck Jansen at: jansenchuck@ gmail.com if you can help.

‘THROUGH THE TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS’

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meager Rd., Easton

Sept. 15 - 17

The retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. Father John Riccardo’s newest book, “Rescued,” will help guide our retreat. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/ courtyard rooms are: $170 single/$250 couple, or single guest rooms $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

BREATHE RESPITE NIGHT

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

Sept. 16 from 4 - 9 p.m.

BREATHE is a respite care service for parents/guardians of a child with special needs to give them a break from caregiving. We provide activities such as arts and crafts, music and games and also have a meal together. We pray together as well.

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT

Location in Lenexa given after registration

Sept. 16 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We are offering a one-day retreat that can help you on the road to healing in a judgmentfree, confidential environment. There is no cost to attend. Continental breakfast, lunch and materials are provided. To register, send an email to: projectrachelkc@archkck.org or text/call (913) 621-2199. Registration deadline is Sept. 11.

150TH ANNIVERSARY

St. Patrick Parish

1066 N. 94th, Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 16 at 4 p.m.

St. Patrick Parish celebration kickoff will begin with Mass at 4 p.m., followed by a social celebration from 5 - 9 p.m.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 22 - 24

Rekindle the love and joy, the hopes and dreams that you and your spouse cherished on your wedding day by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter. This is an enrichment for married couples who value their relationship and desire a richer, fuller life together. It is also for priests and religious who want to strengthen their relationships with their church communities. Register online at: www.helpourmarriage.org. Questions? Contact Maggie Harris at (405) 206-1600.

SLOVENEFEST 2023

Holy Family Parish

274 Orchard, Kansas City, Kansas

Sept. 23 from 4 - 10 p.m.

We are celebrating 115 years of Slovenian culture. There will be a Mass at 4 p.m. at the church. The celebration will be on the Holy Family School grounds, 513 Ohio, in Kansas City, Kansas. There will be a traditional Slovenian dinner and entertainment. For more information, call Kathy Hanis at (913) 271-5101.

‘LECTIO DIVINA IN NATURE’

Sophia Spirituality Center

751 S. 8th St., Atchison

Sept. 23 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This daylong retreat introduces you to the practice of “lectio divina” with nature. Rooted in the early Christian understanding of the two books of God’s self-revelation — the book of nature and the book of Scriptures — “lectio natura” recognizes all creation as a living scripture, a sacred text. The fee of $70 includes a noon meal.

FAMILY DAY

Prairie Star Ranch

1124 California Rd., Williamsburg

Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Prairie Star Ranch is offering the chance to step away and enter into a day of prayer, adventure, outdoor activities and time to reconnect. Families, friends and communities are invited to join us for fun activities including horseback riding, kayaking, high ropes activities and prayer. The experience will culminate with Mass. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ranch. Registration price goes up after Sept. 15.

CRAFT SHOW AND BAKE SALE

Holy Family Parish (hall)

820 Birch St., Eudora

Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 from 9 am. - 2 p.m.

Looking for unique, one-of-a-kind craft items? Come shop at the Holy Family craft show in the parish hall. Find that special item as well as delicious treats at the bake sale. Proceeds from the sale will go to support the parish peace, justice and human development programs. Crafters interested in renting a booth space should contact Linda at (913) 645-5386 or Melanie by email at: 19dobbins83@gmail.com for more information.

‘GOSPEL OF NONVIOLENCE:

LIVING THE WAY OF JESUS’

Keeler Women’s Center

759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B

Kansas City, Kansas

First and third Wednesdays

From 1 - 3 p.m.

In a world where bullets enter homes and violence disrupts neighborhoods, where the news seems to report more and more killings and war, come and experience the message of nonviolence that has been preached by Jesus and wise people through the ages. Register by calling or texting (913) 689-9375.

“THE CROSS IS THE GREATEST MEANING OF THE GREATEST LOVE, THE LOVE WITH WHICH JESUS WANTS TO EMBRACE OUR LIFE. JESUS WALKS FOR ME, WE ALL HAVE TO SAY IT, ‘JESUS BEGINS THIS PATH FOR ME, TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR ME.’” Pope Francis at Via Crucis

Initiative hopes to bring men to the heart of Christ

The Kansas State Council of the Knights of Columbus is rolling out Cor, a new initiative to form and strengthen Catholic men in faith and virtue. Cor will inspire men and their Knights’ councils to gather and invite all Catholic men of the parish to join. The purpose of Cor is to draw men into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to gather and search their hearts, for in the heart lies true conversion, the foundation of a relationship with God.

The word “cor” is Latin for “heart” and the root of the word “courage.” Faithfulness, courage and virtue begin with the heart and are the inspiration for the Cor initiative. While the details of the content and structure of the Cor gatherings are left to individual councils, all include elements of prayer, faith formation and fraternity. Cor provides the opportunity for men to meet Christ,

Susan and John Weber, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17. The couple was married on Aug. 17, 1963, at St. Francis Xavier Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Their children are: John, Shawnee; and Amy, Wichita. They also have four grandchildren.

Bernard J. and Goldie Schaefer, members of Queen Of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with a small gathering at Santa Marta with family. The couple was married on Aug. 21, 1948, at St. Louis Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Dennis Schaefer, Overland Park; Mark Schaefer, Spring, Texas; Karen Camarata, Overland Park; and Kathy Lubetich, Silverdale, Washington. They have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

‘Eucharistic Miracles’ to be displayed at Nativity

team of Knights from each diocese in the state. Dan Culbertson will serve as the state director. Culbertson and his team will make themselves available to help guide and instruct parish priests, district deputies and Grand Knights in implementing this initiative.

LEAWOOD — “Eucharistic Miracles of the World,” an international exhibit designed and created by Blessed Carlo Acutis, will be on display Sept. 9-10 at Church of the Nativity hall here, located at 3800 W. 119th.

to strengthen their bond of brotherhood and to prepare themselves for the courageous mission of evangelization.

The Kansas State Council began working on the development of the Cor initiative in July. State deputy Mike Grothoff has put together a

Harold and Christine (Rodina) Stice, members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a family trip in the fall to Perdido Key, Florida. The couple was married at St. John by Msgr. John Horvat on Aug. 31, 1973. Their children are: Sarah Loun and Sam Stice (deceased). They also have three granddaughters.

Steve and Mary (Etzel) Marshall, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 22 with family and friends. The couple was married on July 14, 1973, at Assumption Church in Topeka by Father Donald Cullen. Their children are: Tyler Marshall, Croton-on-Hudson, New York; and Stephanie (Marshall) Coker, Topeka. They also have three grandchildren.

“The Knights of Columbus has a solid structure in place in which to build programs such as this to bring Catholic men together to serve the church and community,” said Grothoff. “With this structure in place with Dan and his team, the Knights are investing more profoundly in our faith for all Catholic men to form themselves more deeply in the faith while forming a bond of fraternity through this initiative.”

These Cor gatherings are “intended to be an intentional time of prayer, faith formation and fraternity that will strengthen the souls of our Catholic brotherhood,” said Culbertson.

Fred and Sandy Jackson, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 11. The couple was married on Aug. 11, 1973, in Hanover. To celebrate, they spent the last week of July in the Branson area with their two children and their families. Their children are: Nicole Hoss and Erika Zimmerman. They also have five grandchildren.

Sharon (Solts) and Gary Schumaker, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. The couple was married on Aug. 24, 1963, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Clifton. Their children are: Angela (Schumaker) Cocanower and Greg Schumaker. They also have five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

DAILY READINGS

The exhibit will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 10.

Blessed Acutis was an Italian teen who died of leukemia in 2006 and was beatified in 2020. The 15-year-old’s use of technology to spread devotion to the Eucharist prompted Pope Francis to hail him as a role model for young people today. The exhibition explains every eucharistic miracle ever documented around the world.

Blessed Carlo Acutis

Frank and Sandy Sheble, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17 with their family. The couple was married at Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park. Their children are: Joe Sheble, Barbara Sheble and Nancy Rogers. They also have four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Margaret (Bunck) and Ed Berger, members of St. Mary Parish, Purcell, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 26 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Sept. 1, 1973, at Immaculate Conception Church in Rulo, Nebraska, by Father James O’Connor. Their children are: Erin Foster, Lansing; and Todd Berger, Papillion, Nebraska. They also have nine grandchildren.

“NOW, AS WE RETURN HOME, THE LORD MAKES US, IN TURN, FEEL THE NEED TO SHARE AND TO GIVE, TO BEAR WITNESS JOYFULLY AND EAGERLY TO THE GOOD THAT GOD HAS POURED INTO OUR HEARTS.” Pope Francis during his homily at the concluding Mass

CHALLENGES, EXCITEMENT FUEL PHOTOGRAPHER AT WORLD YOUTH DAY

By Jay Soldner Special to The Leaven

Traveling overseas as a working photographer is challenging from the get-go.

I packed all of my clothes, two camera bodies, one extra camera battery, the charger for camera batteries, three lenses, a laptop, laptop charger, European power adapters, toiletries, two books and my inflatable pillow — all into one carry-on-size bag.

In another small bag, I had my sleeping bag and tent. (I never used the tent.) I was a little worried that I’d have to check the bag at some point because my carry-on bag was well over the weight limit. But I never had to

check it, and it fit easily in the overhead bin on all aircraft.

We stayed in a hotel room in Fátima, Portugal, the first two nights, which allowed me to leave a lot of the weight behind and just focus on making pictures.

In Seixal, we stayed in a school gymnasium, and I was able to leave all of my clothes, sleeping bag, etc., there as I worked each day.

Every day in the streets of Lisbon, I carried my backpack with the laptop and power adapters. I carried my cameras on my shoulders around the city as we took ferries, trains and buses and walked for miles.

After we picked up our press credentials, the real work began, but having the press

credentials was hugely helpful, giving me access to the media room and the ability to quickly get through crowds and into areas most people could not go.

Even with the photo press pass, it was still really challenging to be in the right place at the right time. But for the most part, it worked out well. The pope and his security drove directly by me on two separate occasions — once in Parque Eduardo VII and once in Fátima — which allowed me to make photos that I really wanted to get.

Fátima was incredible. The entire town is built around the Miracle of Fátima (the Miracle of the Sun) that occurred in 1917. Being able to photograph the sites and events there is something I’ll never forget. I was also able to spend a lot of time in prayer in Fátima.

Lisbon was much busier — just going all over to different events and sites.

The country is beautiful. The people are amazing. Not knowing the language was not much of an issue, as almost everybody there speaks English pretty well, and as long as you

Something God revealed to me through this pilgrimage is that, in the midst of trials, I can trust he draws close to me and that I remain his beloved daughter. He also revamped my understanding of how Mary is truly our mother.

Caitlin Schneider Youth ministry coordinator at Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea

try a little bit of Portuguese, things go smoothly. I was amazed at how easy it was to get around the city by train and bus.

It was really comforting doing everything in groups. We all went to daily Mass together, we all attended catechesis events together and we broke into smaller groups to explore the city. I even went by bus back up to Fátima on my own for the Saturday morning prayer session there.

That same Saturday evening was the vigil at Parque Tejo. The streets from the Oriente

train stop in Lisbon to the park were full of pilgrims representing nations from around the world.

The 1.5 million people at the vigil and final Mass was a sight to behold. Unfortunately, the park is laid out in such a way that I just could not get a wide, encompassing shot showing the huge crowd. In retrospect, I wish I would’ve tried to gain access to a building top just outside the park.

It was really an honor to be on the trip with the archbishop, priests, seminarians and the

pilgrims from northeast Kansas.

World Youth Day 2023 will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I’ve covered a lot of interesting and cool things in my career as a photographer, but this is right at the top of the list.

I just want to say thank you to the archbishop, priests, seminarians and pilgrims for letting me join them on this pilgrimage. I also want to thank the many, many gracious volunteers in Lisbon that made everyone feel welcome and gave us an opportunity for a great pilgrimage.

I don’t normally post about ministry but had to share the joy about our parish’s trip to World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, to see Pope Francis and one-and-a-half-million Catholics, as well as our trip to Fátima. What a gift to have a front row seat to the interior conversions of those around me and to make such great friends. It was a treat to go with the seminarians and Archbishop Naumann. Our 16 parishioners truly had a pilgrimage, with many blisters and cockroaches included. A huge thanks to our host families and village from the Seixal region across the river. They opened their hearts and homes and culture to us. Prayers for all of you I know. Jesus, I trust in you. Lisbon, Portugal, needs to be on your bucket list.

Doug Leikam Youth minister at Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile as he travels through Fátima on Aug. 5.

Jay Soldner, who traveled to World Youth Day as a photographer for The Leaven, has the rare opportunity to have his own photo taken by a fellow photographer at the vigil with young people and Pope Francis at Parque Tejo on Aug. 5.

Bishop Edward Burns of the Diocese of Dallas, Texas, carries a monstrance with the Eucharist through a crowd of pilgrims on Aug. 2 in Lisbon, Portugal.