The Pentecost Pilgrimage
By Fr. Andrew Younan
Preceding the Diocesan Youth Convention, St. Peter Cathedral sent a bus of 50 young people with Fr. Andrew Younan on a pilgrimage to see some of the Missions and other sites of California. The pilgrimage left on Monday, June 30th, and arrived in San Jose just in time for the Convention. During these four days, the youth saw the Missions of San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, San Ines, San Louis Obispo, and San Juan Bautista, as well as the Convent of the Poor Clares, Hearst Castle, St. Albert’s Priory, St. Dominic’s Church and St. Ignatius Church. Throughout the journey there were prayers, talks and activities to remind the pilgrims of the spiritual nature of this trip and to help them reflect on the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Those who participated found great opportunities to grow closer to God and better understand his calling.

Day 1
We started off the Pilgrimage with Mass at St. Peter's before heading to our first mission, San Juan Capistrano. After enjoying a quick lunch in the restaurants around the mission, we made our way to the Poor Clares Convent. Luckily, it was only two blocks away from Santa Barbara Mission or "The Queen of the Missions" and we were able to explore the grounds and admire the beautiful church.

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Day 2
After spending the night in Solvang, we made our way to Santa Ines (St. Agnes) Mission where Fr. Andrew celebrated mass. Then, we were off to San Luis Obispo, our next destination, where we spent a total of 15 minutes because we had to rush to Hearst Castle in time for our tour. After admiring the beautiful grounds of the castle and the breathtaking view, we took the famous Highway 1 with the intention of going to Monterrey. Unfortunately, the fires that were happening in that area forced us to turn around and take a different route. However, we were able to capture some amazing pictures of the view off the Highway.
 

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Day 3
The next day, we visited the Carmel Mission in Monterrey where we joined the congregation for Daily Mass at 12pm. Then we stopped at San Jose Mission. On our way to St. Albert's, Fr. Andrew surprised us with a private tour of the Oakland Cathedral before it opens on September 25. Then, we went to St. Albert's Priory and were able to meet some of the religious living there and said evening prayer. Right around sunset, we went to the Rose Garden in Berkley to enjoy the view. Afterward, we went back to St. Albert's where Fr. Andrew heard confessions.

Day 4
The last day of our Pilgrimage ended with a day in San Francisco. First, we started with Mass at St. Dominic's Church where we were also fortunate enough to be blessed with a relic of St. Jude. Then we spent some time in St. Ignatius Church before we walked across the street to the Carmelite Chapel next door where Fr. Andrew gave a talk. The rest of the day was spent enjoying sights around the city like Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and the Warming Hut. That night, we joined St. Peter's Church for the Diocesan Youth Convention.

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