'I hope the Pope sets our hearts on fire,' says Paraguayan WYD pilgrim

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 23, 2013 / 13:55 pm

Fabricio, Jose and Diego, three World Youth Day pilgrims from Paraguay, say their deep desire that Pope Francis will set hearts on fire with the love of Christ during the week-long event.

Diego Domenico told CNA, "I hope the Pope sets our hearts on fire, in order to show the world that it is possible to follow Christ."

Domenico said the trip his group of 800 people made from Asuncion took almost 41 hours, but that all the fatigue was worth it to see the Holy Father.

Fabricio Batista said being in Rio for World Youth Day "is a unique experience. We came by bus and we are ready to listen to Pope Francis."

For Jose, World Youth Day is "an experience I wanted for a long time."

"Seeing the people and having this thrill is something that is truly unique."

The three members of the Schoenstatt Movement shared their experience thus far of the intense journey. The Schoenstatt Movement is a Marian movement founded in Germany in 1914.

The Paraguayans said their group is staying at the University of Niteroi and will be taking part in the opening Mass this afternoon, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro.

Paraguay, located between Brazil and northern Argentina, has sent one of the largest delegations to Rio de Janeiro to take part in World Youth Day.