Middle school youth make pilgrimage walk to Holy Doors at Corpus Christi Cathedral

This year's Middle School Youth Spectacular, held on Saturday, Sept. 24, took on a special meaning because it fell during the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis. Some 350 young people representing 23 parishes in the Diocese of Corpus Christi participated in a pilgrimage walk from the American Bank Center to the Corpus Christi Cathedral, entering through the Holy Doors to attend the Saturday Vigil Mass.

"Bishop Michael Mulvey wanted the youth to experience God’s love and mercy in a special way," said Jaime Reyna, director of the Office of Youth Ministry, which sponsored the event.

A “Youth Cross”, similar to the “World Youth Day Cross”, was made and was carried by many different youths during the walk. Bishop Mulvey addressed and welcomed the pilgrims as they arrived at the steps of the Cathedral. Then he led them into the sanctuary through the Holy Doors of Mercy.

Bishop Mulvey spent the afternoon with the youth at the American Bank Center, giving the afternoon keynote address. Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody, along with eight other priests, heard confessions.

Ben Nguyen, Chancellor for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, gave the morning keynote address, focusing on God’s mercy for everyone. He told the youth they were "all agents" of God's mercy to their families and friends.

Amy Barragree, Campus Minister for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Del Mar College, led a breakout session in the afternoon entitled “Spiritual Works of Mercy.” Joseph Cipriano, Youth Minister for Most Precious Blood Parish, also led an afternoon breakout session entitled “Corporal Works of Mercy.” 

Deacon Ed Rowley from St. Gertrude Parish in Kingsville was the emcee during the day. Deacon Eric Chapa of St. Pius X Parish led Adoration. The Heath Garcia Band led praise and worship. The youth also participated in Adoration, recreational activities, including playing with giant inflatables, and getting to meet new people.

At the Mass, Deacon Rowley read the Gospel while youth from the different parts of the diocese participated in the readings and offering. At the end of Mass, Bishop Mulvey blessed the “Youth Cross,” which will be taken by different parish middle school youth groups to pray for the youth in the diocese during the year until the next middle school youth spectacular in 2017. Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia youth group were the first parish to take the cross. If any parish middle school youth group is interested in having the youth cross visit their parish, they should contact the Office of Youth Ministry. 

Photos by Jaime Reyna, Gwen Gomez and Vanessa Zarate