Archdiocese of Washington Announces Winners of Video Competition
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Winners awarded with tickets to September 23 papal Mass
WASHINGTON – Three winners have been selected for the Archdiocese of Washington’s YouServe video competition. Following Pope Francis’ example of living out the Gospel through service to others, contestants were asked to create a video depicting the way they serve and transform their greater community. Over 50 videos were submitted from across the nation and reviewed by a panel of judges.
Winners had a choice between receiving an iPad Air 2 or a GoPro HERO 4 as their prize in addition to receiving four tickets each for the Mass to be celebrated by Pope Francis on the east portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception overlooking the University Mall at The Catholic University of America on September 23, 2015. During the Mass, the Holy Father will canonize Blessed Junipero Serra, the 18th century Franciscan missionary who founded missions and evangelized in California.
Winner Becky Duncan of College Park, Md. created a video, “You Serve,” depicting the numerous ways she serves in her everyday life as a lector at her local parish, St. Mark the Evangelist in Hyattsville. Ms. Duncan cooks for So Others Might Eat, a non-profit in Washington, D.C., teaches a Shakespeare summer camp, collects clothing for Goodwill, hosts foreign exchange students and cares for creation through her efforts to recycle and compost.
Jay Davila of Alexandria, Va. won by producing a video entitled, “Christ in the Park.” A group of young adults were featured feeding the hungry and “breaking bread” with strangers in a local Washington, DC park. The group was inspired by Matthew 25:35, where Jesus challenges His followers to feed the hungry and welcome all that feel like strangers. The video served as a reminder that every person is a son and daughter of God.
Winner Monica Carranza from Silver Spring, Md. submitted a video entitled, “Tira La Red Mission: El Salvador 2015.” The video showed a mission trip to El Salvador with 10 members of the youth ministry Tira La Red. The youth visited homes of Salvadorian families to bring donations of clothing, shoes, bibles and school supplies. It was the group’s mission to “spread the good news” and share a message of love with each person they met.
Videos will be posted on the Archdiocese of Washington YouTube channel, WashArchdiocese as well as on walkwithfrancis.org/youserve/.
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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
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Lindsey Frechou
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