By Ana Rodriguez Soto - Florida Catholic newspaper
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.”
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