What is it like to travel with JMJyouth?
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At JMJ Youth Pilgrimages, we work with group leaders to create pilgrimages that bring youth closer to Christ. Here is what some of those group leaders have to say about their experiences with JMJ Youth.
"In Lincoln we love the mission Steve has put forward with this company. We really appreciate our friendship and partnership...."
Jeff S, Lincoln, NE, USA "...We love JMJ and think they are the best among pilgrimage travel to WYD." Patricia V, Dallas, TX, USA "The amount of work that goes into planning a WYD pilgrimage and leading a group in country is immense. Having a support system like JMJ was invaluable. I would not have been able to do it without JMJ." Fr. Charles R, Bensalem, PA, USA "Our trip was very successful without any major incidents. I would like to thank you all for making this possible and making our World Youth Day trip a reality and success." Benedict M, Harare, Zimbabwe "I still have never worked with another company that cares for you the way JMJ does, is as organized as you, is as accessible as you, AND puts the emphasis on pilgrimage you do." Annie G, Stillwater, MN, USA |
Pilgrims, chaperones, and Diocesan organizers share their experiences and feedback during
World Youth Day Rio 2013. |
"Based upon the responses from our pilgrims, they had a blessed experience at World Youth Day. Much of it was because of the planning and preparation your company provided. We felt safe, well cared for which allowed for the opportunity for an encounter with Christ to occur for everyone."
John G, Des Moines, IA, USA
"WYD is an awesome experience we all know. But it is not for everyone based on the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of the event. Some people can't handle the crowds or a gym floor or a non-professional guide. Those things need to be clearly understood up front. Some people will need more services than the JMJ model is designed to provide and any users would need to understand that. I believe WYD is a powerful experience for all and takes a great team to make it a great experience. JMJ is an excellent part of that team. [...] With our combination of experienced leadership, pilgrims and JMJ it was really outstanding."
Fr. Tom W, Lakeville, MN, USA
"...The JMJ Youth team did a remarkable job with all the arrangements for our group. They were always ready to answer any questions with a cheerful attitude even when some of the questions were already asked and answered :-). The information that was provided to us on the front end really helped our group prepare for WYD spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. The leaders guidebook was perfect in explaining what WYD was and was not. Our group reviewed that part of the book several times in our group meetings in preparation for WYD. Our group was prepared for when we were in Krakow and faced certain "challenges" related to public transportation, lack of food, long lines, unpredictable weather, etc."
Ahmad O, Temecula, CA, USA
"You guys have been so easy to work with and so helpful. It made leading a group on a pilgrimage that much easier. I just think each WYD is a once in a life time experience and everyone should try to experience it. Thank you!"
Mary A, Chino Hills, CA, USA
"...Thank you for all that you did to help our trip to WYD go so smoothly! The girls had a phenomenal time, laughed a ton, and received many graces! It was great to have so many of the bigger pieces taken care of by you all, so I and the other chaperones could focus most of our attention on the immediate needs of the girls. You were kind and patient throughout the whole process and answered every single annoying question I had along the way; I am grateful! Andrea [our JMJ Youth Pilgrimage Guide] was also a great gift to our group. [...] Hope our paths cross again sometime in the future!"
Ruth K, Catonsville, MD, USA
John G, Des Moines, IA, USA
"WYD is an awesome experience we all know. But it is not for everyone based on the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of the event. Some people can't handle the crowds or a gym floor or a non-professional guide. Those things need to be clearly understood up front. Some people will need more services than the JMJ model is designed to provide and any users would need to understand that. I believe WYD is a powerful experience for all and takes a great team to make it a great experience. JMJ is an excellent part of that team. [...] With our combination of experienced leadership, pilgrims and JMJ it was really outstanding."
Fr. Tom W, Lakeville, MN, USA
"...The JMJ Youth team did a remarkable job with all the arrangements for our group. They were always ready to answer any questions with a cheerful attitude even when some of the questions were already asked and answered :-). The information that was provided to us on the front end really helped our group prepare for WYD spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. The leaders guidebook was perfect in explaining what WYD was and was not. Our group reviewed that part of the book several times in our group meetings in preparation for WYD. Our group was prepared for when we were in Krakow and faced certain "challenges" related to public transportation, lack of food, long lines, unpredictable weather, etc."
Ahmad O, Temecula, CA, USA
"You guys have been so easy to work with and so helpful. It made leading a group on a pilgrimage that much easier. I just think each WYD is a once in a life time experience and everyone should try to experience it. Thank you!"
Mary A, Chino Hills, CA, USA
"...Thank you for all that you did to help our trip to WYD go so smoothly! The girls had a phenomenal time, laughed a ton, and received many graces! It was great to have so many of the bigger pieces taken care of by you all, so I and the other chaperones could focus most of our attention on the immediate needs of the girls. You were kind and patient throughout the whole process and answered every single annoying question I had along the way; I am grateful! Andrea [our JMJ Youth Pilgrimage Guide] was also a great gift to our group. [...] Hope our paths cross again sometime in the future!"
Ruth K, Catonsville, MD, USA
A Pilgrim's Letter
"Thank you for putting together such an amazing pilgrimage for our group. It not only met, but exceed all of our expectations.
My goal for this trip was a simple one, to have my youth group experience their Catholic faith. They not only experienced it, but they grew in it, and walked away stronger in their Catholic identity.
We also could not have asked for a better tour leader. [Our JMJ Youth Pilgrimage Guide] Anthony was the icing on an already great pilgrimage. His knowledge of Rome and all the great places he took us was nothing compared to his passion about the Catholic Faith. Our group made several comments about how exciting it was to listen to him, and you couldn't help but be interested in what he was talking about because he truly believed it from his heart. He truly lead by example, and I firmly believe that he lead our youth to a much greater experience through prayer and understanding then any text book, or tour company could have done.
My biggest reservation about this pilgrimage before we left was the diverse age group that was coming. Anthony was very compassionate with our older guests, while never taking anything away from the youth and their pilgrimage. I know our group could be a challenge… as several times it was to me, but Anthony just smiled and took it for what it was.
Outside of the great patience you had with our group, I would also like to Thank you and compliment you putting together such a great and flexible pilgrimage. It was nice not to be "locked-in" to too many places, times, tours allowing us the ability to take in the moments. I look forward to doing business with you guys again."
-Amy L
My goal for this trip was a simple one, to have my youth group experience their Catholic faith. They not only experienced it, but they grew in it, and walked away stronger in their Catholic identity.
We also could not have asked for a better tour leader. [Our JMJ Youth Pilgrimage Guide] Anthony was the icing on an already great pilgrimage. His knowledge of Rome and all the great places he took us was nothing compared to his passion about the Catholic Faith. Our group made several comments about how exciting it was to listen to him, and you couldn't help but be interested in what he was talking about because he truly believed it from his heart. He truly lead by example, and I firmly believe that he lead our youth to a much greater experience through prayer and understanding then any text book, or tour company could have done.
My biggest reservation about this pilgrimage before we left was the diverse age group that was coming. Anthony was very compassionate with our older guests, while never taking anything away from the youth and their pilgrimage. I know our group could be a challenge… as several times it was to me, but Anthony just smiled and took it for what it was.
Outside of the great patience you had with our group, I would also like to Thank you and compliment you putting together such a great and flexible pilgrimage. It was nice not to be "locked-in" to too many places, times, tours allowing us the ability to take in the moments. I look forward to doing business with you guys again."
-Amy L
USCCB Recognition
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