Going to Washington D.C. as one of the eight student representatives of St. Francis
Catholic High School was one of the biggest blessings in my life. I’d never been to D.C.
before this trip, and I loved it. Going to the tourist sights, such as the Lincoln Memorial,
the Washington Monument, and the White House really brought to life the rich history of
the United States. My favorite day of the trip was definitely the Canonization Mass of the
Blessed Junípero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception
at The Catholic University of America. It was incredible, going from standing in the place
where history was made, to being right where history was taking place. The congregation
of hundreds of thousands of people consisted of people from many different countries and
cultures, who have all come together in the name of one faith. Pope Francis’ homily stressed
the importance of siempre adelante, which translates to keep moving forward. This idea is
not just strictly a Catholic teaching; it is a universal message that everyone can relate to,
no matter his or her religious background. Everyone can strive to keep moving forward.
Since hearing this message, I have been inspired to keep moving forward each day. Overall,
my four-day journey and exposure to so many different cultures uncovered the power of
religion and its ability to unite people under a single faith.
Julianna Tanjuakio ’16
Julianna is involved with Campus Ministry at St. Francis and lectors at Mass with her father
at Sacred Heart Parish. She served as Student Council Ministry Coordinator her Junior year
and is a Kairos intern. Julianna attended Kairos 55 her Junior year and recently led Kairos 58.
Outside of school, she has been a coxswain with River City Rowing for the past three years.
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