Thirty-five individuals from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will have much to remember about the summer of 2013. That's because they were with the millions of pilgrims at World Youth Day in Rio De Janeiro.

Among those who spent the last days of July celebrating the Catholic faith were Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, Father Brian Alford, Father Chris Brey, Father David Hoefler and lay participants from St. Mary Parish in Marshall, St. Anthony High School students and others from Effingham, and members of Father Brey's "cluster parishes" of St. Alexius in Beardstown, St. Fidelis in Arenzville, St. Augustine in Ashland and St. Luke in Virginia.

Although the groups were somewhat on their own during the trip to Rio, all of the pilgrims gathered together at St. Jude Thaddeus Church for a Mass with Bishop Paprocki on July 26. "We had a diocesan Mass on Friday," said Father Alford. "Bishop Paprocki also answered questions for the group."

Father Alford, who is priest secretary to Bishop Paprocki, master of ceremonies and associate director of vocations, said seeing the massive amount of people at the events was moving and impressive. "I watched the Stations of the Cross from the roof of our hotel," he said. "Our hotel was right above two or three of the Stations.

"Of course, I was there concelebrating at the Sunday Mass. During his homily the pope was speaking mostly in Portuguese and Spanish, neither of which I understand. However, I was with a priest who spoke Portuguese so he was able to tell me some of what was being said."

Because of the massive amounts of people who were attending the World Youth Day Mass — over 3 million in all — clergy had to be there way ahead of time. "I know the bishops had to get there two hours early," Father Alford said. "The Mass itself started around 10 and finished right around noon."

Bishop Paprocki and all other concelebrating bishops were given an alb, chasuble and stole, and miter to use at the event, while Father Alford, Father Brey and Father Hoefler and all other concelebrating priests were given a chasuble and stole.

The youth participating in the papal events were naturally enthusiastic, Father Alford said. "The crowds were very excited when they first saw the pope. Once the Mass started on Sunday, they were pretty respectful."

Modern technology came into play for the pilgrims as well. Bishop Paprocki, Father Alford, Father Brey and others from the group kept Twitter followers up-to-date on events by adding comments and photos to their Twitter accounts. Of course, cell phones proved to be great photography tools as well.

Most of the larger groups returned to the states on Thursday, Aug. 1. Carrie Koenig, director of resources, marketing and development for St. Anthony of Padua Church and schools, said the group from Effingham came home with some great memories. "Our group included 12 students, four chaperones and Father Hoefler," she said. "They had the best experience!"

After experiencing World Youth Day and seeing Pope Francis in Rio, Father Alford said, "He looks very comfortable being the pope. This was his first big apostolic journey and he connected very well. There was a vigor and enthusiasm about everything he did."