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“I think it is great to see the youth turnout today and the support. The event is such a great way to bring similar values and beliefs together for a day of fun and celebration. I believe the presence of so many men in the seminaries is truly inspiring.”

 

“The biggest shock to me has been the number of young people at the seminary. I thought brotherhood was less popular; I am pleasantly surprise. It’s so great to see lay people as a well as priests come together to pray with other youths.”

“It’s a beautiful day, and I can’t think of a better way to spend it, surrounded by people (including tons of youth) so excited about their faith. The energy and enthusiasm is moving, and I’m greatly anticipating Pope Benedict’s appearance later today. I’m hoping that his blessing will strengthen and guide me on the path of my life.

 

“Despite difficulties obtaining food and water, the pope’s word of wisdom truly touched me.”

“This day was amazing. Being able to see so many youth praise God was awesome. I think the part that affected me the most was knowing that we had actually been blessed by the pope himself.”

“Today was amazing! I thought the Pope’s message was incredible. Even if the people were annoying it was an amazing day.”

“This has been an incredible experience. I’m leaving cold, sun burnt, dirty, and hungry and yet I don’t mind at all. I feel so great for being part of this that nothing could ruin this experience. I can’t say yet just how much this may have changed me but right now I can feel a difference.”

 

When I first heard the Pope was coming to New York I lumped it along with any other large event. However, when I knew I would be participating in the day’s events my mindset shifted. Although the day was chaotic and some aspects (i.e. distributing food and water) were ill-managed, it was still a wonderful experience. The energy on the field when Pope Benedict arrived was truly unfathomable. Prior to this day, I viewed the pope as somewhat of cold, impersonal authority, however after hearing his warm and inspirational words my thoughts have changed. This was the experience of a lifetime and I hope it will shape my spiritual journey.”

“An amazing day! I never thought I would have the experience of being blessed by the Pope! Everyone was so touched by his words yet I was really happy to see the youth’s participation throughout the day and especially the ceremony.

“About 7 hours later, and I’m exhausted, but it was awesome”

“I have had the privilege to meet mother Teresa, and now to be in the presence of two Popes. I saw Pope John Paul II in central park and now saw Pope Benedict XVI. The experience was truly remarkable and unforgettable. The pope brought a message of hope and prayer. I am exhausted but it was worth it.”

“The Pope Rally was truly a blessing. It was moving to see so many people my age and younger eager to see the pope and embrace their Catholic faith. The Pope’s message to young people was also moving. He encouraged us to tune out distraction and find ways to explore the vocational calling that God has for us. He mentioned that it is important to communicate with God. I was blessed to see the Holy Father today and all the preceding acts of worship and faithful. I am thankful, and I hope that this message will go beyond the crowd of youth at St. Joseph seminary today. “

“Being able to be a part of this experience was amazing. I am truly blessed to be able to share in this youth rally. Seeing the hundreds of people all focused on the Pope’s message was really inspiring. Being able to hear the pope speak is a once in a lifetime experience. I really liked the part of Pope Benedict’s speech when he spoke about paying attention /listening to god’s whisper, and that is something I hope to focus on in my life.”

“The experience of the Youth Rally is one that I don’t think will ever have an equal. The shear number of people waiting, standing for the Pope impressed me. The entire event was amazing. The atmosphere was positive but that was nothing in comparison to the Pope’s message. The feeling when he first walked on stage moved me and listening to his speech made me think about whom I am and what I want for myself. The Pope himself was such a positive presence in the arena. He captivated one’s attention in spite of the hectic nature of the surroundings. I am better for having been given the opportunity to attend such a life changing event.”

“It was an opportunity of a lifetime. I had never dreamt that I would get to one day. My sincere thanks to all who made this day a success.”

“Wow! It’s so inspiring to see so many youth with such a zeal for faith. I really enjoyed listening to the Pope: he was very encouraging and likewise I think our numbers encouraged him-such a great experience.”

 

“Such a great experience, and I am so happy that I had the chance to see the Pope! It was amazing to see the Pope in person, rather than just on television. I gained new respect for the Pope! A day I will never forget!”

“Being a part of the youth Rally for Pope Benedict was an amazing experience. I never would have thought that I would be so moved by so many people of the same faith come together for the same reason. I will hold this once in a lifetime experience in my heart forever. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.”

“Today was a great experience, I have had the opportunity to see the Pope before but this was an entirely different experience. The speakers, performers, and Pope Benedict XVI’s were moving and inspiring. This is a day I will never forget.”

“Today was a great day! The event was amazing. I was really quite moved by the Pope. He is truly amazing and the spirit of God is living within him. I like how he spoke about its ok for us to be quiet; it lets us hear God. I think that’s important to remember. Seeing him up there with the bishops and cardinals, it’s a very powerful event. I’m very happy and blessed because I was bale to experience this. It is a great thing Iona does, allowing its students to go on these events. It’s nice to see 20,000 others believing the same things you do. The presence of God was very much alive today. It was great!”

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For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: (914) 633-2005 fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu

 

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