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Article_Teacher�s dream inspires students to come to World Youth Day

Breaking News | Friday, July 29, 2016

Teacher’s dream inspires students to come to World Youth Day

And better yet: She’s with them on the pilgrimage

The group from Little Flower Parish in Coral Gables poses for a photo before heading through airport security. Carolina Vizcaino is right in the middle of the group.

Photographer: ANA RODRIGUEZ-SOTO | FC

The group from Little Flower Parish in Coral Gables poses for a photo before heading through airport security. Carolina Vizcaino is right in the middle of the group.

Krakow, Poland | Four years ago, a teacher shared a dream. Her former students just made it come true.

Carolina Vizcaino, a teacher at St. Theresa School in Coral Gables, is traveling with the group from Little Flower Church in Coral Gables. Three of her former students are also pilgrims, primarily because of what she told them when they were in sixth grade.

Vizcaino, a theology teacher, had never been to a World Youth Day. But the stories she shared about what it was and what took place sparked excitement in her students.

“She talked to us about World Youth Day for the first time. We all got super excited and we all wanted to go one day,” said Daniela Ordonez, 16. “Never did we think we could go with her.”

“I instantly fell in love with the idea of coming and meeting new people from around the world and even the pope,” said Katarina Sori, 16.

“My parents said you’re crazy,” said Isabel Rennella, 16.

Eventually they relented. But the year was 2012 — too late to plan for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.

When the girls found out the Archdiocese of Miami was organizing a pilgrimage this year, they signed up right away. About a month ago, they ran into Vizcaino and excitedly told her they would be traveling to Krakow.

She wasn’t planning on going — until that very moment. She booked the trip at the very last minute.

“Having her here with us is so special,” said Katarina.

“She’s the one that gave us the dream, and now she’s here for us,” said Daniela.

Vizcaino sees it differently.

“The irony is that I inspired them to come to World Youth Day years ago, but it is because of them I am here today. When I found out they were going I ran to see if I could join the group.”

Part of the group from Little Flower in Coral Gables poses for a picture, joined by two students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. From left: Maria Ordonez, Katarina Sori, 16, Daniela Ordonez, 16, and Isabel Rennella, 16, with Rebecca Jean 16, and Mackenzie Bartlett, 17, from St. Thomas.

Photographer: ANA RODRIGUEZ-SOTO | FC

Part of the group from Little Flower in Coral Gables poses for a picture, joined by two students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. From left: Maria Ordonez, Katarina Sori, 16, Daniela Ordonez, 16, and Isabel Rennella, 16, with Rebecca Jean 16, and Mackenzie Bartlett, 17, from St. Thomas.


 

Comments from readers

Jim Davis - 07/29/2016 11:13 PM
Loved this article, Ana! It read like divine destiny. I also loved the photos -- especially the one at the bottom, with several girls of several colors yet the same smile. Looked like South Florida. And like a truly catholic church.

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