Off to WYD: Maryland family of 10 heads to Lisbon for special pilgrimage
A family of 10 is packing their bags and getting ready to embark on a journey they’re calling their “last hurrah as a family unit.”
John and Alexis Love are a Catholic couple from Maryland who, along with their eight children — Anthony, 18; Rosemary, 16; Thomas, 14; Cecilia, 13; Catherine, 10; Gloria, 9; Josie, 3; and Edmund, 1; as well as John’s mother, Sarah Kirk — will be attending World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal, from Aug. 1–6. (Editor’s note: Alexis is also Al Kresta’s eldest daughter).
As they were preparing for their trip, the Loves spoke with CNA about what they’re most looking forward to and their hopes for the experience.
The family will be overseas from July 29 to Aug. 11 visiting not only Portugal but also Spain. They will be stopping at several Catholic destinations such as Fátima, the grave of St. John of the Cross, and places associated with St. Teresa of Ávila.
John Love, a Catholic theology professor, said he’s most excited for his kids to see “the global Catholic Church community.”
“It’s not just us, it’s not just our friends, but this is a global endeavor and people are going to come from all over and all speak different languages, but have a common faith,” he said.
“I think what you get from a World Youth Day is you see that you’re not alone,” Alexis Love, who homeschools their children, added. “Being Catholic, certainly, you are supposed to be set apart, in a sense. You’re supposed to be striving after holiness but while we’re far apart, we’re not alone on the journey. The Church is with us. And young people in particular are on fire and are embracing what the Church teaches.”
Cecilia Love shared that she is most excited about hearing Pope Francis say Mass.
Park Edward VII, which will be called “Colina do Encontro,” will be one of the locations where several of the big WYD events will take place, such as the opening Mass and Pope Francis’ welcome ceremony. Thanks to Kirk, who made plans in advance, the Loves will be staying in an AirBnb that is only a seven-minute walk from the venue.
The Loves will also take part in the two-and-a-half-hour pilgrimage walk to the vigil Mass with Pope Francis, which will take place at Tagus Park, called “Campo da Graçe” during WYD.
