Early the following day, Saturday 27 July, the participants gathered at Sacred Heart Parish, Diamond Creek to embark on the pilgrimage by train and then by bus. The pilgrims were presented with WYD name tags, booklets with complete local events, prayer and liturgy, and a little cross as a souvenir. The participants were then welcomed by Raymond Isla and Vivein Zuosola who were MCs and facilitators of the entire program, and all was set for the Pilgrim Prayer Blessing imparted by Fr. Terry Bergin, PP Our Lady of the Way Parish.
Then embarking the Hurstbridge Train Stations, the event continued listening to the Catechesis in Our Lady Help of Christians, Eltham, delivered by Fr. Michael O’Connell, PP of St. Martin of Tours Parish, and Catechesis at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Montmorency, delivered Fr. Steven Rigo, PP of St. Mary’s Parish. The reflections on the theme “Go and make disciples of all nations” was enriched by the life testimony of Emily Geordadis and other participants.
The Catechesis was followed by Adoration and Rosary at St Francis of Assisi parish, Mill Park, facilitated by Fr. Anthony Girolami PP and Fr. Varghese and joined by Life Teens from the parish.
From Mill Park the group caught the bus to visit Villa Maria Aged Care Residence in Bundoora where a musical performance was organized by some of the young pilgrims, Joseph Kanniah, Evangeline and Rosalie Santos Furtado and local artist Genevieve Bryant. The experience of being with the elderly was very powerful and so moving that made each one reflect on how God is very close to us especially in moments of difficulties. It was also a challenge to continue adhering to the Pope’s invitation to “be disciples” to each other.
From Villa Maria the youth walked to Parade College, Bundoora, where they stopped for an hour’s fun and games led by Rachel Roche. From Villa Maria the pilgrims walked to St. Damian’s Church for Mass celebrated by Fr. Vincent Le, PP of St Damian’s, Bundoora. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the WYD Dinner prepared by the Couples for Christ. After dinner, the group processed to Loyola College, Watsonia for a Vigil carrying the Youth Deanery Cross. The experience of standing around the Cross glittered by lighted candles in the solemnity and quietude of the night was very moving. Thanks to the NET Team (National Evangelization Team) who facilitated the evening through activities and reflection using the Word of God, the young people were encouraged to respond in any form of prayer highlighting for themselves the relevance of the WYD theme “Go, make disciples”. The Vigil concluded with a night sleep out at the College.
It was a restful and peaceful night that prepared everybody for the Sunday morning praise and breakfast after which everyone proceeded to the Old Loyola Chapel for Mass and Commissioning with Fr. Joseph Chua, OCSO as celebrant (read homily). The liturgy was animated by the fantastic singing and commitment of Life Teens from Mill Park.
Thanks be to God all went well smoothly and graced by God’s presence. Abundant blessings as well for the provisions provided by Sacred Heart Parish, Diamond Creek; St. Thomas the Apostles Parish, North Greensborough; Loyola College, Watsonia; Bakers Delight Bundoora and many friends who in one way or another contributed much in the realization of the event. The contributions of the Pastorelle Sisters, Couple for Christ, the Youth for Christ and St. Damian’s Youth Group were so enormous. The promotion of the event by CLC Catholic Ladies College, Eltham and the Parish of Mernda, Whitlesea and Kinglake Parishes added to the wider community’s awareness that the Church cares for our young people. Above all, the encompassing generosity and pastoral heart of Loyola College to reach out the neighbouring parishes and schools spearheaded the event celebrated. God bless them all.
Sr Nelia Llanto
