My name is Abigail Durkin, I am 19 years old and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Illinois.   This past summer I was given the opportunity of a lifetime and sent to World Youth Day 2011 – Madrid as a representative for the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul.  This experience not only allowed me to see the streets of the beautiful city as an eager young woman, but also taught me to be thankful that I can be apart of an organization that does so much to help the people, not only in the United States but also throughout the world.

Our days in Madrid were filled with Catechesis, Mass, prayer, and ultimately the long journey to the overnight vigil with Pope Benedict XVI (an experience that I will definitely never forget).  My favorite aspect of the trip, however, was the knowledge of the Society and its worldwide influence that I gained during the first three days at the International Vincentian Youth Gathering. These first days were spent sleeping on classroom floors surrounded solely by fellow Vincentians from around the globe.  Before these few days, I had only thought of the Society’s influence throughout the Chicago-land area, and had given little thought especially to overseas efforts.  What I was able to learn from the Vincentian Family was that each Society, though each somewhat different, are all fighting against the same problems ranging anywhere from poverty and homelessness to keeping the family unit strong and functioning.  Being able to bond over the common issues and strategies used to prevent them with a small group made up of representatives from Vietnam, Australia, and Canada was truly an eye-opening experience.

The days following the Vincentian Youth Gathering events were more geared toward the celebration of World Youth Day, however we often saw fellow Vincentians.  These days were jam packed full of events such as the stations of the cross and the catechesis’ lead by the wonderful Sisters of Life and Bishops.  Unlike the previous days of Vincentian Family, these events emphasized the importance of having and maintaining faith in a world that it is often difficult to do.  Throughout these days there was a feeling of faith and support from all around that I do not believe can be accurately described.  In short, it was fantastic. It was a wonderful experience sharing these events with those in my group, and even more exciting to see so many different people of various cultures and backgrounds uniting for one cause.  

Being given this experience to travel abroad in order to widen my faith and service will be with me forever.  Learning more about the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, the Church, and the people I traveled with has changed me forever and has given me knowledge I could not have gained through any other situation.  Having the opportunity to see Pope Benedict XVI, to walk the streets of Madrid surrounded by people wearing the colors of their countries, and to be representing not only the Saint Vincent DePaul Society but also the United States was truly quite humbling and still quite fresh in my mind.  I cannot express enough of my gratitude for this experience through which I have gained knowledge, friendships, great memories, and the opportunity to travel with a fantastic group and leader that I will never forget.