Having never been at WYD before; I had anticipated my involvement this year as being with my community, the Congregation of Notre Dame. We were planning to have a booth at the Vocations & Service Pavilion and also sponsoring Café Marguerite, a coffee house showcasing the talent of the pilgrims who had contact with our sisters in their home dioceses. And both of these did occur. The unplanned part was the seven events covered by CBC, of which I was now a significant part. What a wonderful experience!

I had the privilege and the pleasure of working with CBC Peter Mansbridge and with Fr Jacques Monet, SJ. The response seems to say that the three of us were quite the team. Peter Mansbridge was very respectful of the Catholic Church and the Pope. I was aware that our conversations could go to any hot topics in our church at this time. When we did speak of scandal or inclusive language - I believe we did it well and we did it justly. But actually, when the Holy Father chose to walk down the stairs from his plane on that first Tuesday, all bets were off. He set the tone for the week young people are important, he knew it and we knew it. Topics of his health and retirement or the numbers of pilgrims seemed inconsequential at that moment. Here was this frail old man loving and be loved by all these great young adults. And the rest is history!

WYD was an inspiring event for many, myself included. TV was a great experience also. And now, the follow-up, the aftermath is really up to us... each one of us. How will you continue to live this historic moment in the Canadian Church and in the lives of so many people?

For me... So many cards, calls and emails ... wow!! So many people watching English Canada TV ... wow!! Actually, CBC wanted to cover the pope's visit but I kept trying to keep the focus on the young adults gathered. The community said yes when I was invited, so I had 10 hours media training and off I went to TV-land. It was a wonderful experience but perhaps even more powerful for me is the response of so many people: family, friends and you, my community - affirmations, congratulations, feedback for the next time even! Thank you! Many have video taped the week. And CBC is putting out a 90-minute highlights tape, which I will be receiving. Never have so many sat for so long in front of so many TV's!