My wife, my daughter and I were out Christmas shopping yesterday afternoon. All the Malls have beautiful Christmas decorations. There is a hive of activity in the shops. The cash registers are ringing and everyone is buzzing.
As we looked around, we were flabbergasted at the cost of the products on offer. Toys are ridiculously expensive. Retailers are reaping the profits on material goods that will probably be lost, broken or abandoned in a few short months.
The very first Christmas had prophets! Nowadays Christmas is all about profits! I’m not saying “don’t go shopping” or “don’t spend your own money” What I am saying is that beside all the gifts under your tree this year, leave a space for the gift that God gives to us all.
Be a prophet for our time and prepare in your heart and your home a space for the Lord. That’s the only profit worth benefiting from.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
TGIM- Thank God its Monday!
Thank God its Monday!
I don’t know about you but my weekends are pretty full on. Its starts off with Mass at 8am on Saturday then we clean the Church afterwards. On Saturday afternoons/evenings there’s always a function happening at Church or with family and friends. On Sunday we have two Masses one at 9am and the other at 11am. My wife and I are often doing something at either Mass so we usually are both present at both Masses. Then two Sunday afternoons out of four we have our Senior Youth Group gatherings. The other two Sunday’s my wife and I are on committees that meet on those days. And so, come Monday we’re pretty exhausted!
I arrive at my office on Monday mornings and just sit a bit and answer emails. I’m luckier than most people in the world because my office is right next to our Church and so I can just scoot over there and spend a few minutes with the Lord and offer up my thoughts, my goals for the week, my struggles and my joys. Whenever the photocopier breaks down or an issue just keeps bugging me. Guess what I do!
Now you may not be able to get to a chapel or church quite so easily but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop and spend just a minute catching up with an old friend. Your week will be more enjoyable if you do.
So don’t just thank God for Monday’s and Friday’s – TGFT “Thank God for Today” – it’s a gift; that is why it’s called ‘the present’ hehe….
I don’t know about you but my weekends are pretty full on. Its starts off with Mass at 8am on Saturday then we clean the Church afterwards. On Saturday afternoons/evenings there’s always a function happening at Church or with family and friends. On Sunday we have two Masses one at 9am and the other at 11am. My wife and I are often doing something at either Mass so we usually are both present at both Masses. Then two Sunday afternoons out of four we have our Senior Youth Group gatherings. The other two Sunday’s my wife and I are on committees that meet on those days. And so, come Monday we’re pretty exhausted!
I arrive at my office on Monday mornings and just sit a bit and answer emails. I’m luckier than most people in the world because my office is right next to our Church and so I can just scoot over there and spend a few minutes with the Lord and offer up my thoughts, my goals for the week, my struggles and my joys. Whenever the photocopier breaks down or an issue just keeps bugging me. Guess what I do!
Now you may not be able to get to a chapel or church quite so easily but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop and spend just a minute catching up with an old friend. Your week will be more enjoyable if you do.
So don’t just thank God for Monday’s and Friday’s – TGFT “Thank God for Today” – it’s a gift; that is why it’s called ‘the present’ hehe….
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Fr Stan...the rapper
Blog 6 12 07:
Hey!!! The Christchurch Diocese had a great youth mass on Sunday evening, and afterwards the fifteen minutes of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provided us all with an opportunity to stop and just adore Jesus. Hopefully we can all realise the importance of adoration and the enormous benefits and graces that God can give us when we stop our lives to spend time with him.
Click here to check out this video of Fr Stan Fortuna CFR, who is a priest of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in America and recently did a tour through Australia to generate enthusiasm for WYD. He will be at WYD08, and I know a few people who are already looking forward to seeing him perform!! I count myself among them.
Check out his website by clicking here.
Here are the lyrics of the chorus, and click here to go to see the rest of them:
School of the Eucharist
Refrain
At this school when I sit
even just a little bit
I get hit with the power
that made the veil in the temple split
when I submit
fall on the floor and adore
can’t get enough
got to come back for sa-more
every prostitute and sinner
every fool and hypocrite
can benefit in this school
repent and commit
as the incense rises up
in adoration of the throne
somethin happens
to my wounded heart
from all the love revealed and shown
bright light Shekina
comes to my aid to assist
to change and sustain
the way I think and exist
to feel the bliss because my name
is in the book of life’s list
that’s what happens when you sit
in the school of the Eucharist
I challenge you to make time to attend the School of the Eucharist!
Hey!!! The Christchurch Diocese had a great youth mass on Sunday evening, and afterwards the fifteen minutes of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provided us all with an opportunity to stop and just adore Jesus. Hopefully we can all realise the importance of adoration and the enormous benefits and graces that God can give us when we stop our lives to spend time with him.
Click here to check out this video of Fr Stan Fortuna CFR, who is a priest of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in America and recently did a tour through Australia to generate enthusiasm for WYD. He will be at WYD08, and I know a few people who are already looking forward to seeing him perform!! I count myself among them.
Check out his website by clicking here.
Here are the lyrics of the chorus, and click here to go to see the rest of them:
School of the Eucharist
Refrain
At this school when I sit
even just a little bit
I get hit with the power
that made the veil in the temple split
when I submit
fall on the floor and adore
can’t get enough
got to come back for sa-more
every prostitute and sinner
every fool and hypocrite
can benefit in this school
repent and commit
as the incense rises up
in adoration of the throne
somethin happens
to my wounded heart
from all the love revealed and shown
bright light Shekina
comes to my aid to assist
to change and sustain
the way I think and exist
to feel the bliss because my name
is in the book of life’s list
that’s what happens when you sit
in the school of the Eucharist
I challenge you to make time to attend the School of the Eucharist!
Friday, November 30, 2007
WYD prep!!!
Hello folks
Sorry it’s been so long! I hope all your preparations for World Youth Day next year are going well. I am a little out of touch with the preparations in Hamilton city now that I have come home to Piopio for the summer holidays so I will just fill you in a little on what I have been up to…
A few months ago, I went into an evening mass at St Josephs in Te Kuiti and spoke to the Parish there. It was incredible to see how keen these elderly people were to help out it whatever way they could. The youth going to World Youth Day will be in their prayers and they are keen to donate to the fundraising effort also.
On the 13th of November I spoke for the Catholic Women’s’ League in Morrinsville. Some of the senior students from St Joseph’s primary school came too. The women were really responsive and asked lots of questions about World Youth Day. Some of them even wanted to know whether they could come! We also asked at the end of the slideshow how many of the students would be keen to go if they were old enough and all of them put their hands up. The women are supportive with their prayers and look forward to hearing all about WYD when we come back next year.
On the 17th of November I spoke at the Youth Service in the Piopio Co-operating parish. They were all very supportive too and keen to hear what we are up to. Subsequent to this service my brother received a donation to his World Youth Day fundraising effort by one of the people he works with who heard me speak that morning!
What I have learnt over the past few months is that there are so many people out there willing and able to support you towards World Youth Day and also people out there ready to help you out just generally in life. It is only a matter of asking them and sharing what an amazing event this is going to be.
I also want to encourage you to keep praying for World Youth Day. The majority of the people I have met over the last few months are not going to WYD because they are older people but they are still supporting us immensely with their prayers.
Keep up the good efforts with fundraising, keep enthusiastic, and most importantly keep praying!
Sorry it’s been so long! I hope all your preparations for World Youth Day next year are going well. I am a little out of touch with the preparations in Hamilton city now that I have come home to Piopio for the summer holidays so I will just fill you in a little on what I have been up to…
A few months ago, I went into an evening mass at St Josephs in Te Kuiti and spoke to the Parish there. It was incredible to see how keen these elderly people were to help out it whatever way they could. The youth going to World Youth Day will be in their prayers and they are keen to donate to the fundraising effort also.
On the 13th of November I spoke for the Catholic Women’s’ League in Morrinsville. Some of the senior students from St Joseph’s primary school came too. The women were really responsive and asked lots of questions about World Youth Day. Some of them even wanted to know whether they could come! We also asked at the end of the slideshow how many of the students would be keen to go if they were old enough and all of them put their hands up. The women are supportive with their prayers and look forward to hearing all about WYD when we come back next year.
On the 17th of November I spoke at the Youth Service in the Piopio Co-operating parish. They were all very supportive too and keen to hear what we are up to. Subsequent to this service my brother received a donation to his World Youth Day fundraising effort by one of the people he works with who heard me speak that morning!
What I have learnt over the past few months is that there are so many people out there willing and able to support you towards World Youth Day and also people out there ready to help you out just generally in life. It is only a matter of asking them and sharing what an amazing event this is going to be.
I also want to encourage you to keep praying for World Youth Day. The majority of the people I have met over the last few months are not going to WYD because they are older people but they are still supporting us immensely with their prayers.
Keep up the good efforts with fundraising, keep enthusiastic, and most importantly keep praying!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Adoration
As the campaign for Eucharistic adoration is about to be launched in Christchurch I thought that I would write a little something about it on this blog…
Our Catholic faith tells us that the Eucharist we receive in the mass IS the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know, both through the Church’s teaching and our own experience, that the host we receive is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, the son of God and second person of the trinity. With our human eyes we can sometimes fail to see and believe this, and doubt can invade our minds. Yet, I urge all of you to have faith!! Have faith in the Church, have faith in God and have faith in the Eucharist.
So we have the body of Christ with us. Adoration is when we gather before the exposed Eucharist, which is placed in a monstrance, and simply adore Jesus. Adoration is what it says it is!! We know what it is to adore people, for example we adore our girlfriends, boyfriends, parents, grandparents. Perhaps the easiest people to adore are little babies, who in their innocence, purity and beauty are impossible not to love! Sometimes it is hard to express this emotion towards Jesus, mostly because we don’t know him! But when you spend time with him in prayer and in adoration and reflect on what he did for us upon the cross, you do get to know him. Then it is hard not to adore him!
“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). Upon going to adoration this verse should have a profound new meaning. We go to adoration to sit or kneel in the presence of Christ, who is the bread of life. Being in his presence changes us. It transforms us. I have heard it likened to spiritual sunbathing – the Eucharist is the sun and we sit and get a healthy tan from the sun’s rays. “God is love” as St John and Pope Benedict put it, so if the Eucharist is God then it is also pure love!! If we sit in the presence of this love then naturally we are affected.
When we adore Christ we are in very good company. Think of the nativity scene – Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men – all adoring the word made flesh, baby Jesus. As Christmas gets closer you will see this scene everywhere from your local parish to shopping malls!! And every time you see it make sure you realise what exactly is going on – Adoration. There are also the Angels. They, like us, are created to adore God, and do so (Hebrews 1:6).
Adoration is the best preparation you can make for WYD. It will prepare you soul for the journey ahead and draw you closer to Jesus. They are calling it the “Holy hour of power” because that is what it truly is. When you give your time to Christ in this way don’t be surprised to see changes in your life.
I will post another blog after the launch of the adoration campaign this Sunday. All are welcome to come: 7pm at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch. See you there!!!
Any questions, send me a comment!!
Our Catholic faith tells us that the Eucharist we receive in the mass IS the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know, both through the Church’s teaching and our own experience, that the host we receive is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, the son of God and second person of the trinity. With our human eyes we can sometimes fail to see and believe this, and doubt can invade our minds. Yet, I urge all of you to have faith!! Have faith in the Church, have faith in God and have faith in the Eucharist.
So we have the body of Christ with us. Adoration is when we gather before the exposed Eucharist, which is placed in a monstrance, and simply adore Jesus. Adoration is what it says it is!! We know what it is to adore people, for example we adore our girlfriends, boyfriends, parents, grandparents. Perhaps the easiest people to adore are little babies, who in their innocence, purity and beauty are impossible not to love! Sometimes it is hard to express this emotion towards Jesus, mostly because we don’t know him! But when you spend time with him in prayer and in adoration and reflect on what he did for us upon the cross, you do get to know him. Then it is hard not to adore him!
“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). Upon going to adoration this verse should have a profound new meaning. We go to adoration to sit or kneel in the presence of Christ, who is the bread of life. Being in his presence changes us. It transforms us. I have heard it likened to spiritual sunbathing – the Eucharist is the sun and we sit and get a healthy tan from the sun’s rays. “God is love” as St John and Pope Benedict put it, so if the Eucharist is God then it is also pure love!! If we sit in the presence of this love then naturally we are affected.
When we adore Christ we are in very good company. Think of the nativity scene – Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men – all adoring the word made flesh, baby Jesus. As Christmas gets closer you will see this scene everywhere from your local parish to shopping malls!! And every time you see it make sure you realise what exactly is going on – Adoration. There are also the Angels. They, like us, are created to adore God, and do so (Hebrews 1:6).
Adoration is the best preparation you can make for WYD. It will prepare you soul for the journey ahead and draw you closer to Jesus. They are calling it the “Holy hour of power” because that is what it truly is. When you give your time to Christ in this way don’t be surprised to see changes in your life.
I will post another blog after the launch of the adoration campaign this Sunday. All are welcome to come: 7pm at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch. See you there!!!
Any questions, send me a comment!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
We NEED to pray!!
Well things have certainly started progressing with WYD preparations!! Registrations are completed, deposits are being paid, fundraising is in full flight and air beds are being ordered!!
All this preparation is over and above our normal lives, which are already jam packed with full time work, part time work, school, university, and sports. Deeper still is our family lives where we are busy with family, children, brothers, sisters, parents and friends. But at the deepest level is our faith. It is the foundation for all we are and all that we do, even if we don’t realise it, and it is essential that it be what our WYD preparation is based on.
If faith is the car we drive, prayer is the petrol. We NEED to pray, we NEED to lift up our hearts to the Lord. If we don’t have this “petrol” for our faith then it will soon break down. Cardinal George Pell, who is the Archbishop of Sydney, has recently urged all those involved in WYD not to put other preparation before spiritual preparation. It would be the most unwise thing for us to do as our faith is the very reason WYD exists.
Cardinal Pell made his appeal, saying that World Youth Day is not just a multicultural encounter, or a chance to make new friends it is “above all a moment of conversion and encounter with God, living the experience of sharing, and announcing the good news.”He cautioned against getting caught up in practical preparations and organizational challenges."The most important challenge is the spiritual preparation," by way of prayer and sacraments, the cardinal said. "One of the blessings we will receive from World Youth Day," the cardinal affirmed, "is that it will give us the one true God, remind us of the teaching of Christ, the only Son of God, and it will bring spiritual values onto the public scene."
So prayer is pretty important. If you have a WYD prayer card make sure you use it!! I hope and pray that all your preparations on a parish, diocese and national level are going well and people are getting more and more enthusiastic!! The other day I realised that sometimes what WYD is actually going to be like escapes us, and as the cardinal warns us against, we see WYD as just a big event, in the not too distant future. Then I was talking to someone who had just registered for WYD and didn’t know much about it and all he said was “imagine what it’s going to be like sleeping – or not sleeping! – outside with all those other young Catholics. Its going to be CRAZY!!” And when I started to imagine it, it really blew my mind. Over 500,000 young people. Together. Waiting for Pope Benedict. How literally awesome is that going to be?!
Keep up the good work!
My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice. They can move hearts far better than words. St. Therese of Lisieux
All this preparation is over and above our normal lives, which are already jam packed with full time work, part time work, school, university, and sports. Deeper still is our family lives where we are busy with family, children, brothers, sisters, parents and friends. But at the deepest level is our faith. It is the foundation for all we are and all that we do, even if we don’t realise it, and it is essential that it be what our WYD preparation is based on.
If faith is the car we drive, prayer is the petrol. We NEED to pray, we NEED to lift up our hearts to the Lord. If we don’t have this “petrol” for our faith then it will soon break down. Cardinal George Pell, who is the Archbishop of Sydney, has recently urged all those involved in WYD not to put other preparation before spiritual preparation. It would be the most unwise thing for us to do as our faith is the very reason WYD exists.
Cardinal Pell made his appeal, saying that World Youth Day is not just a multicultural encounter, or a chance to make new friends it is “above all a moment of conversion and encounter with God, living the experience of sharing, and announcing the good news.”He cautioned against getting caught up in practical preparations and organizational challenges."The most important challenge is the spiritual preparation," by way of prayer and sacraments, the cardinal said. "One of the blessings we will receive from World Youth Day," the cardinal affirmed, "is that it will give us the one true God, remind us of the teaching of Christ, the only Son of God, and it will bring spiritual values onto the public scene."
So prayer is pretty important. If you have a WYD prayer card make sure you use it!! I hope and pray that all your preparations on a parish, diocese and national level are going well and people are getting more and more enthusiastic!! The other day I realised that sometimes what WYD is actually going to be like escapes us, and as the cardinal warns us against, we see WYD as just a big event, in the not too distant future. Then I was talking to someone who had just registered for WYD and didn’t know much about it and all he said was “imagine what it’s going to be like sleeping – or not sleeping! – outside with all those other young Catholics. Its going to be CRAZY!!” And when I started to imagine it, it really blew my mind. Over 500,000 young people. Together. Waiting for Pope Benedict. How literally awesome is that going to be?!
Keep up the good work!
My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice. They can move hearts far better than words. St. Therese of Lisieux
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The WYD Fundraising Ball
The World Youth Day Ball
On August 25 approximately 120 people, gathered at the Masonic Hotel in Palmerston North for the World Youth Day Ball. The theme was Arabian Nights.
There was a wide range of ages – parishioners turned out to support World Youth Day as did the young pilgrims themselves. 
On August 25 approximately 120 people, gathered at the Masonic Hotel in Palmerston North for the World Youth Day Ball. The theme was Arabian Nights.
As Dave put well – “You know it must be a Catholic event when it has an Arabian theme, held at the Masonic Hotel!”
Entertainment included the live jazz band Thieves of Time, followed by belly dancers from the Donna Bliss belly dancing troupe.
There was a wide range of ages – parishioners turned out to support World Youth Day as did the young pilgrims themselves.
Monday, October 8, 2007
The All Blacks lost!!!
The All Blacks lost!! For me, that's all that really mattered in the past month, and getting past the grief of losing yet another World Cup campaign. No matter how meticulous their planning was they still suffered defeat to the French in the quarterfinals. On their return home there was a feeling of disappointment and sadness, but for many others there was also a sense of pride and hope. Now the question is what then lies for the future of the All Blacks?
Of course, the Rugby World Cup is distinctly different from the events of World Youth Day. For one, WYD2008 is not a sport, nor is it a competitive tournament. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the two.
At the moment Group Leaders are working tirelessly to plan their group's travels and see that each member is registered. (Just as a side note – A big THANKS to all Group Leaders! It's not an easy job but you are all trying your best and playing your part!). We will travel to Sydney and take part in the biggest gathering of young people known in modern times – WYD2008. We will then return home filled with a sense of excitement, joy, and filled with the Holy Spirit. So then the question is for us too as to where lie our futures?
What legacy do we want to lead upon our return home after WYD2008?
Obviously, this is a question that might not even be appropriate to ask at this time. We are still in the planning stages and still fundraising diligently. However, with registrations well under way, and deposits for airfares due, there is confirmation for many pilgrims that the dream of WYD2008 in Sydney is being realised.
So, the All Blacks will have to wait another four years for glory. But, there will still be a boy aspiring to be the next Dan Carter as he kicks his football in the backyard. There may well a young man aspiring to be the next parish priest or even the next Bishop of his diocese upon his return from WYD2008.
WYD2008 is more than an event in July 2008; it is the beginning of a legacy of change. It is a chance for us young people to make our mark to better the future of our Church. Pray that all preparations and planning are going well for each diocese, parish, group leader and pilgrim. May our Lord guide you all in the journey to WYD2008. May our legacy for World Youth Day begin now and continue for years to come!
Go the A.B's!!
God Bless you all. Soifua ma ia manuia.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Place God in the centre and all will orbit in order
Take God away from the centre, and you will suffer disorder
Moving through the end of July and the month of August, this beautiful quote personifies my journey over these past few months. What I have found, and learnt, is that ones journey or
pilgrimage is not always easy or straight forward. There have been moments of stress, frustration, struggle, and conflicts of interest. Looking back in retrospect, and in reference to the quote above, these times have usually been when God has not been placed in the centre. But I am grateful because it makes me appreciate times when I have seen God at work.
Take fundraising as an example. We all have the outrageous task
as pilgrims to raise the funds needed to travel to Sydney. At times it has been a struggle. What’s enviable about standing in blistering cold conditions selling sausages? Or cleaning Westpac Trust Stadium and picking up soggy eaten fries off the ground? As cliché as it sounds – it’s more than about raising money. I have had the privilege of getting to know more about my group, in it’s strengthens and weaknesses. Fundraising, with God in the centre, can be an opportunity to build team spirit and break barriers within the group. I have witnessed this in my group over the past few months – and I thank them dearly for the progress and growth we have experienced.
A highlight of my journey as Ambassador has been the amazing people I have encountered, and the friendships that have been forged. The month of August saw my good friend Jane (Palmerston North Ambassador) visit Wellington for our interview together as Ambassadors for our diocese paper Welcom. I was honoured to host Jane over the weekend, and was please to have the opportunity to share my family, community, and parish life with her.
If anything, it’s given me a taste of what a blessing we will have during Days in Diocese next year, where we can all have the opportunity to share our lives with other people and cultures. To all pilgrims, and those who will stay behind and support from these shores, my prayers are with you as you moves through the month of September.
Whether its fundraising, registering online, or having a group meeting, whatever you are doing on your journey towards WYD2008 always keep God at the centre – you’ll find everything will just orbit in order.
God Bless you all, Soifua ma ia manuia.
Moving through the end of July and the month of August, this beautiful quote personifies my journey over these past few months. What I have found, and learnt, is that ones journey or
pilgrimage is not always easy or straight forward. There have been moments of stress, frustration, struggle, and conflicts of interest. Looking back in retrospect, and in reference to the quote above, these times have usually been when God has not been placed in the centre. But I am grateful because it makes me appreciate times when I have seen God at work.Take fundraising as an example. We all have the outrageous task
as pilgrims to raise the funds needed to travel to Sydney. At times it has been a struggle. What’s enviable about standing in blistering cold conditions selling sausages? Or cleaning Westpac Trust Stadium and picking up soggy eaten fries off the ground? As cliché as it sounds – it’s more than about raising money. I have had the privilege of getting to know more about my group, in it’s strengthens and weaknesses. Fundraising, with God in the centre, can be an opportunity to build team spirit and break barriers within the group. I have witnessed this in my group over the past few months – and I thank them dearly for the progress and growth we have experienced.
A highlight of my journey as Ambassador has been the amazing people I have encountered, and the friendships that have been forged. The month of August saw my good friend Jane (Palmerston North Ambassador) visit Wellington for our interview together as Ambassadors for our diocese paper Welcom. I was honoured to host Jane over the weekend, and was please to have the opportunity to share my family, community, and parish life with her.If anything, it’s given me a taste of what a blessing we will have during Days in Diocese next year, where we can all have the opportunity to share our lives with other people and cultures. To all pilgrims, and those who will stay behind and support from these shores, my prayers are with you as you moves through the month of September.
Whether its fundraising, registering online, or having a group meeting, whatever you are doing on your journey towards WYD2008 always keep God at the centre – you’ll find everything will just orbit in order.
God Bless you all, Soifua ma ia manuia.
Handing over the Cross and Icon
The other ambassadors have really captured the experience of the hand over of the C and I in their blogs so check them out and read up!!! Here are a few of my photos of the amazing experience...
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Handover to Sydney
Hello again!First off I would like to say a big thank you to a large group of people who helped the Journey of the Cross and Icon and handover happen so smoothly:
* Dave Mullin (Hugo!), who was just brilliant the entire time in Sydney and throughout the JCI in New Zealand also
* the College group who travelled to Sydney too - you guys were culturally inspiring and made me really proud to be a New Zealander!
* my fellow ambassadors :D , you are all such beautiful people and I loved the way that we all got along so well, truly God inspired relationships which I will treasure for life
* Areti for his help in Australia,
and also thanks to everyone else involved in our part in the Journey of the Cross and Icon - Jamie, Peter, Kerry, David, Lisa, Alice, Renee, students at the Catholic Colleges we visited along the way and everyone else involved!!! :D
This blog is basically about the handover of the Cross and Icon to Australia. It will probably be quite similar to that of my fellow ambassadors' but here it is from my point of view anyway...On Saturday afternoon we all gathered in Auckland to fly out to Sydney for the handover of the Cross and Icon from New Zealand to Australia.
The group was made up of: the 6 Kiwi Ambassadors, Dave Mullin the project manager, Archbishop John Dew and a school group made up of representatives from each of the three Maori Catholic Colleges in New Zealand. We arrived in Sydney late Saturday night and were billeted with families from Earlwood Parish. Early on Sunday morning we met for the official handover at Sydney Airport. The New Zealand group gathered on a Qantas plane with the cross and icon. We were called off the plane by the Maori Catholic group singing a beautiful chant. They formed a guard of honor on the ground and the Ambassadors carried the cross down through the students.
The native Aboringine people then performed a welcome dance and while the digeridoo played we stood the cross up for the crowd then gave it into the hands of the Australian delegates.After this we traveled to Mary MacKillop Place for a beautiful service with the Josephite sisters. We had a short lunch here then gathered outside the church ready to walk to Darling Harbour. There was quite a large crowd walking the 5 or 6 k’s across the Harbour Bridge and everyone was enthusiastic about the task at hand.On arrival at Darling Harbour the New Zealand Ambassadors took the cross and walked it in through the people.
There were about 8000 people in the crowd and we had to walk the cross through the entire group. It was a really special moment because everyone was reaching out to the cross and trying to touch it. It did get a little rough at times but the six of us supported each other and made our way to the front. There were a few speeches then a repeat of the handover at the hangar. The New Zealand group was allowed the chance for final veneration of the cross and icon before the crowd was also given this opportunity. We then moved on to St Mary’s Cathedral in the center of town for the evenings mass.
This Cathedral is apparently the 6th largest Cathedral in the world and it was just amazing to walk into. We had reserved seats up in the front row so had a perfect view of the service. The Church was full and there were also lots of people sitting on the ground. The Cross and Icon were processed in and the Australian Delegates commissioned to begin the pilgrimage in Australia. This was officially the end of our job in Australia and it was actually quite sad to be finally leaving the cross. 
Monday was basically a free day for the New Zealand group so the girls and I went into Sydney to do a bit of shopping. We then met up with the boys, Dave and Archbishop John for lunch. Dave surprised us by taking us up the Sydney Sky Tower for the afternoon where we had coffee, cake and enjoyed the beautiful views of the city. We flew out from Sydney airport on Tuesday afternoon and arrived back in Auckland about 9:30 that night.Before traveling to Sydney I spent some time with the Cross and Icon traveling around the Hamilton Diocese and looking back it feels like I have had the most amazing couple of weeks. What has made my experiences along this pilgrimage so memorable have been the people I met along the way. That to me is what pilgrimage is about; the people, the relationships you form, and the bonds you make with fellow pilgrims on the same journey. There is a strong sense of unity created and that feeling is inspiring. I have really felt the strength of the Catholic Church as a united force for our God and am proud to be part of it.
It makes me feel more enthusiastic about playing my part and doing everything I can for our almighty God. I would like to invite and encourage you all to make the decision to come to World Youth Day next year. It will be a once in a life time experience that you will never ever forget. What I experienced in Sydney and have shared with you just now is just a snippet, a preview of what next year will be like and my only wish now is that everyone can be a part of it.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The JCI!!!
Blog 24 07 07:
It was such an amazing and rewarding experience travelling with The Cross and Icon throughout the Palmerston North Diocese. We were so immersed in the youth, culture and faith of our area.
The Cross and Icon had crossed so many oceans, been up mountains, inside nightclubs, been amongst poverty and absorbed so many prayers in so many tongues. It was so powerful to know that these same symbols of God’s love were here in New Zealand, within our reach and in our guardianship. So many people gathered to touch The Cross and it is evident that it has touched so many hearts in return.
The JCI was a immeasurable experience. No words or photographs could really capture the emotional and spiritual experience we were exposed to on our journey. However, the memories will always be imbedded in our hearts. From the beautiful prayerful liturgies… to the display of powerful culture and faith…. to lively street walks… to celebrating youth through the art of Krumping!!
The Cross had a true sense of belonging in each area we visited. Each welcome was so special and unique and the symbols were really embraced. Although the Cross and icon were only in one place for a short amount of time I was amazed at the connections that were made and the attachment people had with it.
I feel that being part of the journey of the Cross and Icon really gave me enlightenment to what a pilgrimage is. Yes, there were long hours, long treks, times of frustration, times we truly had to work as a team and unite and at times we had to be courageous and step out and be confident of who we are and what we believe in. However, these challenges were so character building and a true sense of achievment and self-worth was nurtured. It was such a fruitful and rewarding experience because I learnt alot about God but also myself. I have never appreciated my culture, upbringing and faith so much.
I found out that it doesn’t matter where you are, what time of the day it is, if there are two people present or two thousand - God can be present in such an altruistic and special way. (It really reinforced to me good old Mathew 18:20!)
Now Just a few thank yous!!!
- I want to thank Dave for his dedication, organisation and toleration!! (hehe) Dave has been such a corner stone in the preparations of World Youth Day....
- Thanks to the AMAZING Dio team .. Katrina Van de Water, (who has given so much time towards making the Palmerston North JCI such a success!) Jonny Boon and Lynette Roberts-King who travelled with the cross throughout our region - good times! Also, a warm thank you to John Haami, Marie Hall and Atiria Atlam for their assistance.
Each region made the JCI so special and unique. Thank you so much for the time and energy you have donated!!!
Hawke’s Bay: Bill Dysart, Ron Allen, Fr Paul Kerridge, Will Foley
Taranaki: Clare Whareaitu, Michael Holmes, Fiona Dravitzki, Michelle Schaare
Whanganui: Helen Dogherty, Jayson Herewini, Tony Bouterey
Manawatu: Kathleen Field, Fr Craig Butler, Murray Adams
Finally, my utmost and sincere appreciation to all those that were involved in this amazing event in what ever way, prayer or participation - God bless - you are awesome! I hope your journey towards WYD 08 is going well!!!
Jane
It was such an amazing and rewarding experience travelling with The Cross and Icon throughout the Palmerston North Diocese. We were so immersed in the youth, culture and faith of our area.
The Cross and Icon had crossed so many oceans, been up mountains, inside nightclubs, been amongst poverty and absorbed so many prayers in so many tongues. It was so powerful to know that these same symbols of God’s love were here in New Zealand, within our reach and in our guardianship. So many people gathered to touch The Cross and it is evident that it has touched so many hearts in return.
The JCI was a immeasurable experience. No words or photographs could really capture the emotional and spiritual experience we were exposed to on our journey. However, the memories will always be imbedded in our hearts. From the beautiful prayerful liturgies… to the display of powerful culture and faith…. to lively street walks… to celebrating youth through the art of Krumping!!
The Cross had a true sense of belonging in each area we visited. Each welcome was so special and unique and the symbols were really embraced. Although the Cross and icon were only in one place for a short amount of time I was amazed at the connections that were made and the attachment people had with it.
I feel that being part of the journey of the Cross and Icon really gave me enlightenment to what a pilgrimage is. Yes, there were long hours, long treks, times of frustration, times we truly had to work as a team and unite and at times we had to be courageous and step out and be confident of who we are and what we believe in. However, these challenges were so character building and a true sense of achievment and self-worth was nurtured. It was such a fruitful and rewarding experience because I learnt alot about God but also myself. I have never appreciated my culture, upbringing and faith so much.
I found out that it doesn’t matter where you are, what time of the day it is, if there are two people present or two thousand - God can be present in such an altruistic and special way. (It really reinforced to me good old Mathew 18:20!)
Now Just a few thank yous!!!
- I want to thank Dave for his dedication, organisation and toleration!! (hehe) Dave has been such a corner stone in the preparations of World Youth Day....
- Thanks to the AMAZING Dio team .. Katrina Van de Water, (who has given so much time towards making the Palmerston North JCI such a success!) Jonny Boon and Lynette Roberts-King who travelled with the cross throughout our region - good times! Also, a warm thank you to John Haami, Marie Hall and Atiria Atlam for their assistance.
Each region made the JCI so special and unique. Thank you so much for the time and energy you have donated!!!
Hawke’s Bay: Bill Dysart, Ron Allen, Fr Paul Kerridge, Will Foley
Taranaki: Clare Whareaitu, Michael Holmes, Fiona Dravitzki, Michelle Schaare
Whanganui: Helen Dogherty, Jayson Herewini, Tony Bouterey
Manawatu: Kathleen Field, Fr Craig Butler, Murray Adams
Finally, my utmost and sincere appreciation to all those that were involved in this amazing event in what ever way, prayer or participation - God bless - you are awesome! I hope your journey towards WYD 08 is going well!!!
Jane
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Cross and Icon have GONE!!!
The Journey of the Cross and Icon exceeded my expectations in so many ways and I thank God for the experience of carrying, touching and venerating these sacred treasures. The trip to Sydney was amazing and it really opened my eyes to the power of Christ working in our Church and in our hearts. Many tears were shed and much laughter was heard, but the most tangible emotion, throughout the Cross and Icons journey through NZ and over to Sydney, was LOVE.
The LOVE christ has for us is no ordinary love, like the love we have for a car or the love for good food. It is more like the Love we have for our parents or for our brothers and sisters, but again it is SO much more.The Cross and Icon symbolise this awesome LOVE of God, and it is not meant to stop there!! We need to engage with this love and feed ourselves with it.
A suggestion I have for all those preparing for WYD2008 is to go to Holy Mass at least every Sunday, this is where the LOVE we experienced with the Cross and Icon is made REAL, in the living presence of Jesus. Also, do not be afraid to go to reconciliation, where again the awesome LOVE of God washes away all our sins.If you have any questions, thoughts or comments, do not hesitate to contact me.
God Bless you all and stay warm!
Handover to Sydney
E muamua ona ou si’i le viiga ma le fa’afetai I le Atua, mo lana taitaiga ma lana puipuiga ia tatou uma. Ua taunu’u ma le manuia lenei Malaga, matou te vi’ia pea lau Afio. E avatu fo’i ma lenei avanoa e momoli atu le fa’afetai ia te outou uma lava mo le lagolagoina o lo’u tagata vaivai – mo tatalo, talosaga, aemaise le alofa – malo lava le tapua’i.
From the minute we touched down in Auckland, to the events of the Handover in Sydney, and on our return home, every moment was full of excitement, fun and emotion that can only be captured by those who were there to witness. Here is my testimony to those events …
The send off from the diocese of Auckland on the evening of Friday 30 June was rather special, and the Marist group LOGOS prepared a rather poignant part of the mass with a presentation to the diocese of the six Kiwi Ambassadors. Meeting the other ambassadors I must admit I was rather uncertain as to how we might get along. But, my concern was soon quashed as soon as we met.
The bond was immediately formed and to me it felt like we have known each other for years. Sarah (Hamilton) put it nicely when she noted how we are all so different in character, but what has brought us together and made our bond so strong is the foundation of morals and upbringings, but also how we are all traveling similar journeys. Just wanted to thank them from the bottom of my heart for making my journey that much more comfortable and fun, I can now say that I have made new friends for life; and that plane rides would never be the same again!
Geremy (Auckland) commented on how it was our job as representatives of New Zealand to wrap the Cross and Icon in all the mana it deserves, and show Australia how much of an impact it has had while here on our shores. This was not possible without our Kapa Haka group made up of the three Maori Catholic colleges – Hato Petera, Paora and Hohepa (Sts. Peter, Paul and Joseph respectively). These young people showed true mana and what it means to represent more than their schools or diocese but all young people of New Zealand. Be it their beautiful voices lifted in waiata (song), or their lively haka as we entered the grounds at Darling Harbour, to their laughter that filled our bus. I will remember the lovely smiles, and thank them for their huge part they played in assisting us in handing the Cross and Icon over to Australia.
Once in Sydney the highlight was obviously the days events of Sunday July 1st. We won’t even comment on the rugby game the night before; next please. J The day began with a moving ceremonial handover at the Sydney Airport in the morning, which was followed by a symbolic liturgy and veneration at Mary MacKillop place.
There were two distinct memories, which hold a special place in my heart as Ambassador. The first was the walk from Mary Mackillop place to Darling Harbour, whereby Archbishop John Dew was given the opportunity to join with the Australian Bishops, Archbishops, and Cardinal Pell in being driven to the venue. However, he politely declined and declared that he came to be with the young people – how proud we were to look across the crowd and see that it was our Archbishop who chose to walk and pilgrim with the Cross and Icon, but more importantly with the young people. I would like to extend my thanks to Archbishop John for showing a humbling example to us young people, I know for sure that many of us were so proud that you were our chosen Archbishop.
The second was walking the Cross into Darling Harbour. What an honour it was to be carrying the Cross, along with the other Ambassadors into the main event. As we walked in we were not aware of the huge crowd, until we turned the corner to an unbelievable surge of people trying to touch the Cross. We had to walk along the back of the crowd, next to a water canal feature in order to get to the middle aisle and walk up to the front. There were people jumping into the water trying to touch or see the Cross! Walking through the aisle to the front, we were overwhelmed with people pushing and surging forward to touch these powerful symbols, and screams from the crowd when it showed up on the big screen. It was here that I took a moment to appreciate how immense World Youth Day is, what an honour it was to be an integral part of the journey, and how huge it’s going to be next year! With the excitement and energy that the Australian people have, there is no doubt that if 8000 people who gathered at Darling Harbour are any example of what is to come – then WYD 2008 in Sydney is going to be great!
So, that is the spirit I can bring back from such a powerful, exciting, and moving handover. It’s been a renewal of many feelings – excitement, joy, gratitude, and hope. That we can only go forth, with the love of God and through the Holy Spirit, and be witnesses of His love and power. I am once again, so humbled and thankful to have been part of this journey. My sincere thanks to Dave Mullin, who was the backbone of our team – thanks for the leadership, initiative and sense of humour that you shared with us. Our very own Jaffa! J
To all those pilgrims, priests, religious, and family members traveling to Sydney next year – I have been told that what I experienced this year is only a small taste of what next year will bring. So, as we build towards next year, take time to prepare yourselves financially, resourcefully, but more so spiritually and emotionally. My prayers are with you in this time of fundraising, organizing, and preparing – and as I journey with you I will continue to share my experiences with you all …
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
From the minute we touched down in Auckland, to the events of the Handover in Sydney, and on our return home, every moment was full of excitement, fun and emotion that can only be captured by those who were there to witness. Here is my testimony to those events …
The send off from the diocese of Auckland on the evening of Friday 30 June was rather special, and the Marist group LOGOS prepared a rather poignant part of the mass with a presentation to the diocese of the six Kiwi Ambassadors. Meeting the other ambassadors I must admit I was rather uncertain as to how we might get along. But, my concern was soon quashed as soon as we met.
The bond was immediately formed and to me it felt like we have known each other for years. Sarah (Hamilton) put it nicely when she noted how we are all so different in character, but what has brought us together and made our bond so strong is the foundation of morals and upbringings, but also how we are all traveling similar journeys. Just wanted to thank them from the bottom of my heart for making my journey that much more comfortable and fun, I can now say that I have made new friends for life; and that plane rides would never be the same again!
Geremy (Auckland) commented on how it was our job as representatives of New Zealand to wrap the Cross and Icon in all the mana it deserves, and show Australia how much of an impact it has had while here on our shores. This was not possible without our Kapa Haka group made up of the three Maori Catholic colleges – Hato Petera, Paora and Hohepa (Sts. Peter, Paul and Joseph respectively). These young people showed true mana and what it means to represent more than their schools or diocese but all young people of New Zealand. Be it their beautiful voices lifted in waiata (song), or their lively haka as we entered the grounds at Darling Harbour, to their laughter that filled our bus. I will remember the lovely smiles, and thank them for their huge part they played in assisting us in handing the Cross and Icon over to Australia.
Once in Sydney the highlight was obviously the days events of Sunday July 1st. We won’t even comment on the rugby game the night before; next please. J The day began with a moving ceremonial handover at the Sydney Airport in the morning, which was followed by a symbolic liturgy and veneration at Mary MacKillop place.
There were two distinct memories, which hold a special place in my heart as Ambassador. The first was the walk from Mary Mackillop place to Darling Harbour, whereby Archbishop John Dew was given the opportunity to join with the Australian Bishops, Archbishops, and Cardinal Pell in being driven to the venue. However, he politely declined and declared that he came to be with the young people – how proud we were to look across the crowd and see that it was our Archbishop who chose to walk and pilgrim with the Cross and Icon, but more importantly with the young people. I would like to extend my thanks to Archbishop John for showing a humbling example to us young people, I know for sure that many of us were so proud that you were our chosen Archbishop.
The second was walking the Cross into Darling Harbour. What an honour it was to be carrying the Cross, along with the other Ambassadors into the main event. As we walked in we were not aware of the huge crowd, until we turned the corner to an unbelievable surge of people trying to touch the Cross. We had to walk along the back of the crowd, next to a water canal feature in order to get to the middle aisle and walk up to the front. There were people jumping into the water trying to touch or see the Cross! Walking through the aisle to the front, we were overwhelmed with people pushing and surging forward to touch these powerful symbols, and screams from the crowd when it showed up on the big screen. It was here that I took a moment to appreciate how immense World Youth Day is, what an honour it was to be an integral part of the journey, and how huge it’s going to be next year! With the excitement and energy that the Australian people have, there is no doubt that if 8000 people who gathered at Darling Harbour are any example of what is to come – then WYD 2008 in Sydney is going to be great!
So, that is the spirit I can bring back from such a powerful, exciting, and moving handover. It’s been a renewal of many feelings – excitement, joy, gratitude, and hope. That we can only go forth, with the love of God and through the Holy Spirit, and be witnesses of His love and power. I am once again, so humbled and thankful to have been part of this journey. My sincere thanks to Dave Mullin, who was the backbone of our team – thanks for the leadership, initiative and sense of humour that you shared with us. Our very own Jaffa! J
To all those pilgrims, priests, religious, and family members traveling to Sydney next year – I have been told that what I experienced this year is only a small taste of what next year will bring. So, as we build towards next year, take time to prepare yourselves financially, resourcefully, but more so spiritually and emotionally. My prayers are with you in this time of fundraising, organizing, and preparing – and as I journey with you I will continue to share my experiences with you all …
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
JCI in Hamilton
Hey everybody
Today is Thursday the 28th June and yesterday Hamilton handed the Cross and Icon over to the Auckland Diocese. We had an amazing time during the few days it was in our Diocese and it was quite sad to see it go!
Journey in Hamilton
We received the Cross and Icon from Jane and the Palmerston North Diocese very early on Sunday morning in a beautiful little Marae in Wairoa. The Cross then travelled back to Gisborne where it was processed from St Mary's primary school to Campion College .
It spent the morning there before we took it to Mt Maunganui that afternoon. We meet Bishop Denis here and were welcomed by a powhiri at the Mt Maunganui parish before a service and veneration during the evening. At about 8pm Sunday evening a group of pilgrims (60-70 people) processed the Cross up the actual Mount, in Tauranga. We had a beautiful service on the top of the hill, with prayers and songs, and plenty of photos as well! The Cross was then taken and set up to spend the night at St Mary's Tauranga. This was our biggest day – a little over 24 hours awake in total for some!
On Monday morning the team slept in (!) and completely missed the service at St Mary's. But we did make it to the walk to St Mary's Primary School. Bishop Denis spoke really well to the children here and afterwards they were given an opportunity to touch the Cross and some were able to sign the New Zealand log book. The Cross and Icon then moved to Aquinas College in Tauranga where we were welcomed by a beautiful choir of students from the College followed by a service and veneration. We left Tauranga for Rotorua about midday to arrive at John Paul College , Rotorua, back on schedule.
The Cross spent the night in Rotorua, and after an early morning service on Tuesday it was taken to St John's College in Hamilton . The Cross visited Sacred Heart after St John's then moved down to the Cathedral. At midday a large crowd gathered to take part in the journey of the Cross and Icon down the main street of Hamilton . Estimated numbers were between 1,500 and 2,000 people!! It was a beautiful afternoon and a lovely environment to be praising and expressing our love for our God. There was an all night vigil that evening of which I took part in the 12-1am shift. This was a really beautiful time; there were candles out around the Cathedral and it was very quiet, but I did not feel lonely at all in the large building. The Cross had an amazing presence about it and was very comforting to be around. On Wednesday morning we took the Cross to Auckland to hand over to their Diocese in Otara.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the past week or so and would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people involved who made it happen so peacefully. The part of the journey I enjoyed the most was simply making contact with so many other proud Catholics willing to stand up and profess their faith for the God they love. By Wednesday morning there was a strong feeling of unity throughout the entire group which had grown as the group travelled. There were bonds formed within the group, which will never be broken.
I hope that the pilgrims involved will be able to draw strength from these bonds to further live their lives for the Glory of our God.
Thanks again,
God Bless,
- Sarah
Today is Thursday the 28th June and yesterday Hamilton handed the Cross and Icon over to the Auckland Diocese. We had an amazing time during the few days it was in our Diocese and it was quite sad to see it go!
Journey in Hamilton
We received the Cross and Icon from Jane and the Palmerston North Diocese very early on Sunday morning in a beautiful little Marae in Wairoa. The Cross then travelled back to Gisborne where it was processed from St Mary's primary school to Campion College .
It spent the morning there before we took it to Mt Maunganui that afternoon. We meet Bishop Denis here and were welcomed by a powhiri at the Mt Maunganui parish before a service and veneration during the evening. At about 8pm Sunday evening a group of pilgrims (60-70 people) processed the Cross up the actual Mount, in Tauranga. We had a beautiful service on the top of the hill, with prayers and songs, and plenty of photos as well! The Cross was then taken and set up to spend the night at St Mary's Tauranga. This was our biggest day – a little over 24 hours awake in total for some!
On Monday morning the team slept in (!) and completely missed the service at St Mary's. But we did make it to the walk to St Mary's Primary School. Bishop Denis spoke really well to the children here and afterwards they were given an opportunity to touch the Cross and some were able to sign the New Zealand log book. The Cross and Icon then moved to Aquinas College in Tauranga where we were welcomed by a beautiful choir of students from the College followed by a service and veneration. We left Tauranga for Rotorua about midday to arrive at John Paul College , Rotorua, back on schedule.
The Cross spent the night in Rotorua, and after an early morning service on Tuesday it was taken to St John's College in Hamilton . The Cross visited Sacred Heart after St John's then moved down to the Cathedral. At midday a large crowd gathered to take part in the journey of the Cross and Icon down the main street of Hamilton . Estimated numbers were between 1,500 and 2,000 people!! It was a beautiful afternoon and a lovely environment to be praising and expressing our love for our God. There was an all night vigil that evening of which I took part in the 12-1am shift. This was a really beautiful time; there were candles out around the Cathedral and it was very quiet, but I did not feel lonely at all in the large building. The Cross had an amazing presence about it and was very comforting to be around. On Wednesday morning we took the Cross to Auckland to hand over to their Diocese in Otara.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the past week or so and would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people involved who made it happen so peacefully. The part of the journey I enjoyed the most was simply making contact with so many other proud Catholics willing to stand up and profess their faith for the God they love. By Wednesday morning there was a strong feeling of unity throughout the entire group which had grown as the group travelled. There were bonds formed within the group, which will never be broken.
I hope that the pilgrims involved will be able to draw strength from these bonds to further live their lives for the Glory of our God.
Thanks again,
God Bless,
- Sarah
Friday, June 22, 2007
The JCI Journey
As we crowded in to the small hall down in Charleston for the handover of the Cross and Icon, we sang Father Chris Skinner's “Awesome God”. In the short week since we received these two great symbols of unity and hope, I have been able to witness our Awesome God in action throughout our Wellington Archdiocese.
I will not attempt to outline our week's journey (see 'Cross and Icon' section of this site), however what was more powerful for me was the undeniable sense of community that I saw, the love that people young and old have for God, and the faith in our young people.
There are so many highlights and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and as I moved through the crowds at particular events and discussed with young people the affect the Cross and Icon have had on them, I came to a greater understanding that indeed we do have an 'Awesome God'.
Personally, I would just like to take this opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge those who helped me on this leg of the journey. To Archbishop John Dew, for his amazing sense of vision for the young people of our church, and his humility and strength in making his vision come to life. Chris Duthie-Jung and Dave Mullin, for being the best bouncers in the region! The W.Y.D Wellington Archdiocese Committee – who put so much time and effort into this first stage of the journey. To my family for making an effort to come to every event – your support never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. To the young people and communities of the Wellington Archdiocese, for experiencing the journey together.
My special thanks and praise to the Chairperson of the W.Y.D Wellington Archdiocese Committee, and Youth Advisor in the Catholic Centre – Rebekah Prescott. For me, she was the backbone to our journey with the Cross and Icon, and I would not have been able to experience it the same with anybody else. A woman of true character, strength, and faith – and I am so grateful to her for the guidance and assistance she gave me during the journey.
So, next week is the big handover to Sydney – saddened by the fact that it is leaving our shores shortly, but if the Wellington region is any example, then we should only be thankful for all the good that these symbols have done for our communities and our Church.
God Bless, Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso!
I will not attempt to outline our week's journey (see 'Cross and Icon' section of this site), however what was more powerful for me was the undeniable sense of community that I saw, the love that people young and old have for God, and the faith in our young people.
There are so many highlights and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and as I moved through the crowds at particular events and discussed with young people the affect the Cross and Icon have had on them, I came to a greater understanding that indeed we do have an 'Awesome God'.
Personally, I would just like to take this opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge those who helped me on this leg of the journey. To Archbishop John Dew, for his amazing sense of vision for the young people of our church, and his humility and strength in making his vision come to life. Chris Duthie-Jung and Dave Mullin, for being the best bouncers in the region! The W.Y.D Wellington Archdiocese Committee – who put so much time and effort into this first stage of the journey. To my family for making an effort to come to every event – your support never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. To the young people and communities of the Wellington Archdiocese, for experiencing the journey together.
My special thanks and praise to the Chairperson of the W.Y.D Wellington Archdiocese Committee, and Youth Advisor in the Catholic Centre – Rebekah Prescott. For me, she was the backbone to our journey with the Cross and Icon, and I would not have been able to experience it the same with anybody else. A woman of true character, strength, and faith – and I am so grateful to her for the guidance and assistance she gave me during the journey.
So, next week is the big handover to Sydney – saddened by the fact that it is leaving our shores shortly, but if the Wellington region is any example, then we should only be thankful for all the good that these symbols have done for our communities and our Church.
God Bless, Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Cross is COMING!! The Icon is COMING!!
The Cross is COMING!! The Icon is COMING!!We all have crosses in our lives, and it is only in embracing those crosses that we can come to know Christ and ourselves in a deeper and fuller way.
We are never going to have a life without crosses, so let’s embrace our sufferings and our problems, and unite them to Christ’s suffering and Christ’s Cross.And Mary, gift to all of us: never has it been known that anyone who has fled to her protection, asked for her help, or sort her intercession, was left without help.
The Icon of Mary is a perfect companion to the cross, so let’s ask Holy Mary, Mother of God, to help us carry our crosses.Take the opportunity to think about the Cross and icon, and realise that we NEED Christ and Mary in our lives. Then go and SEE and TOUCH the Cross and Icon with your hands, and let them touch your hearts
We are never going to have a life without crosses, so let’s embrace our sufferings and our problems, and unite them to Christ’s suffering and Christ’s Cross.And Mary, gift to all of us: never has it been known that anyone who has fled to her protection, asked for her help, or sort her intercession, was left without help.
The Icon of Mary is a perfect companion to the cross, so let’s ask Holy Mary, Mother of God, to help us carry our crosses.Take the opportunity to think about the Cross and icon, and realise that we NEED Christ and Mary in our lives. Then go and SEE and TOUCH the Cross and Icon with your hands, and let them touch your hearts
Freaky Facts
Hey everybody!!
Hope your preparations for World Youth Day 2008 are going smoothly.
I have been recently looking over the Australian and New Zealand WYD websites and found some curious facts that I’d like to share with you – some of them are rather amazing!!
SYDNEY(2008):
- 1000 pilgrim groups have registered already, representing 65,000 pilgrims and the registration has only been open a little more than 50 days (released on the 28th April).
- This works out at 23,000 pilgrims from the US 15,484 from Australia and significant numbers registered from Canada, Germany and the Philippines
NOTE: these statistics will have changed already by now..
COLOGNE(2005):
- 1.2 million people attended the Final Mass
- Pilgrims came from 197 different countries
- The oldest applicant was an 82 year old woman from Cologne
- Around 420 litres of Communion wine was consumed over the week
- 2.8 million hosts were received for all liturgies.
- There were12,000 mobile toilets and urinals in total,
- 5,000 tonne of food
- 6 million meals
- 3,000 kilos of coffee
- 1 million sets of compostable cutlery
- 900,000 bread rolls per day and
- a WYD radio channel with live stream on the Internet.
Incredible aye!! I especially like the ‘1 million sets of compostable cutlery’!!!
Just shows again how big this is going to be…
Ok that’s all for now, good luck and God Bless
- Sarah
My journey thus far
My journey thus far has been extremely exciting and I am anxious for what lies ahead. New experiences and opportunities have been gifted upon me, and I am so grateful to have been given these chances to meet new people and open myself up to my own personal and spiritual journey. More so, I have been humbled and overawed by the excitement and passion that others have towards World Youth Day 2008. I believe that this is the true essence and work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit has the power to do great things. In my journey thus far a sense of community has become apparent. As many of you may begin your fundraising, group gatherings, parish meetings, or the like – you too may have witnessed the Holy Spirit working amongst you. WYD 2008 is doing more than bringing together the youth; but also families, parishes, and communities – and this is so moving to witness.
The Cross and Icon reach our shores shortly, and to me they are an accumulation of the journey that we are on at present as pilgrims. I encourage you all to make sure you take the time to attend an event, and go witness the Cross and Icon in your town. Become familiar with the schedules of the events in your community, and get ready to share with them and your fellow young people the excitement and passion of World Youth Day.
Get connected, witness the power of the Holy Spirit, and enjoy your journey!
God Bless,
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
The Holy Spirit has the power to do great things. In my journey thus far a sense of community has become apparent. As many of you may begin your fundraising, group gatherings, parish meetings, or the like – you too may have witnessed the Holy Spirit working amongst you. WYD 2008 is doing more than bringing together the youth; but also families, parishes, and communities – and this is so moving to witness.
The Cross and Icon reach our shores shortly, and to me they are an accumulation of the journey that we are on at present as pilgrims. I encourage you all to make sure you take the time to attend an event, and go witness the Cross and Icon in your town. Become familiar with the schedules of the events in your community, and get ready to share with them and your fellow young people the excitement and passion of World Youth Day.
Get connected, witness the power of the Holy Spirit, and enjoy your journey!
God Bless,
Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Check out the Naki getting into the Aussie spirit!
WYD AUSTRALIAN THEME DINNER
This was all part of the fundraising effort for the World Youth Day trip and everybody that went really got into the Australian spirit. The Inglewood parish transformed the hall for the evening into something out of a Banjo Patterson poem. Even the menu had an Australian flavour, and guests were serenaded throughout the night with the smooth sounds of a didgeridoo.
Scott Corboy, Thomas Dravitzki, and Ben Schaare organised an Australian Quiz which was participated in with good humour, by the diners, and kept everybody on their mental tiptoes. There were allegations of match fixing however, as in a controversial outcome, a Melbourner took out the event. Other entertainment on the night included a live didgeridoo performance and a storyteller, The Black Crow, entertained the guests with her tales of the “Dream Time.”
As a fitting end to a stellar evening, all the guests were invited to stand and join in the singing of the “Australian National Anthem” – Waltzing Matilda.
The dinner was catered for by the St. John Bosco Fundraising Group and to pay for the spread, guests were simply asked to make a donation. We were thrilled to raise almost $1500 from the evening. This is a superb start to our fundraising efforts.
On the 28th of April an enthusiastic group of young people from North Taranaki parishes gathered together to serve up a Three Course Australian Themed Dinner for 140 guests in the hostel dining room at Francis Douglas Memorial College.
This was all part of the fundraising effort for the World Youth Day trip and everybody that went really got into the Australian spirit. The Inglewood parish transformed the hall for the evening into something out of a Banjo Patterson poem. Even the menu had an Australian flavour, and guests were serenaded throughout the night with the smooth sounds of a didgeridoo. Scott Corboy, Thomas Dravitzki, and Ben Schaare organised an Australian Quiz which was participated in with good humour, by the diners, and kept everybody on their mental tiptoes. There were allegations of match fixing however, as in a controversial outcome, a Melbourner took out the event. Other entertainment on the night included a live didgeridoo performance and a storyteller, The Black Crow, entertained the guests with her tales of the “Dream Time.”
As a fitting end to a stellar evening, all the guests were invited to stand and join in the singing of the “Australian National Anthem” – Waltzing Matilda.
The dinner was catered for by the St. John Bosco Fundraising Group and to pay for the spread, guests were simply asked to make a donation. We were thrilled to raise almost $1500 from the evening. This is a superb start to our fundraising efforts.
Thanks must be given to all the people who organized food and the hall behind the scenes, to the “waiters and waitresses” who worked hard all night, and to the guests for having such good senses of humour and such generosity.
We hope to see you all at our next fundraiser...
Jane
Monday, April 30, 2007
Come one, come all !!!!
Come one, come all !!!!World Youth Day is for everyone. The young, the young at heart and the world and people they influence and will influence... so really, this is an invitation to all!
Contribute however you can, whether it be through prayer or participation. Ask around and see if there is a troop in your local church or school that are getting involved or fundraising.It is going to be a primo year preparing together for WYD and being part of the build up towards it! OooOo the Cross and Icon will be coming soon!!!
Make sure you find out more about when it is in your local area!!
Bringing our faith into sharper focus, into priority, and immersing it in a great environment can bring great growth and nourishment. So may we all flourish over this year as we prepare for this holy experience. With God as our constant companion and guide this is going to be one amazing journey!Well best be off. It has been great hearing from different people from all over the place. The buzz and interest is certainly multiplying.
I am here to help so be in touch and I’ll do my best to help you out!Thanks to all for your support and prayers.
Jane :)
Contribute however you can, whether it be through prayer or participation. Ask around and see if there is a troop in your local church or school that are getting involved or fundraising.It is going to be a primo year preparing together for WYD and being part of the build up towards it! OooOo the Cross and Icon will be coming soon!!!
Make sure you find out more about when it is in your local area!!
Bringing our faith into sharper focus, into priority, and immersing it in a great environment can bring great growth and nourishment. So may we all flourish over this year as we prepare for this holy experience. With God as our constant companion and guide this is going to be one amazing journey!Well best be off. It has been great hearing from different people from all over the place. The buzz and interest is certainly multiplying.
I am here to help so be in touch and I’ll do my best to help you out!Thanks to all for your support and prayers.
Jane :)
Saturday, April 28, 2007
First blog: Getting serious
I really feel that the youth of New Zealand and Australia will receive a lot of Grace from God throughout the World Youth Day experience, as it will assist us all in establishing an even deeper relationship with Christ. I think that the impact of the visible Body of Christ gathering in Sydney will amaze both Christian and non-Christian Oceania. A lot of courage will be necessary from us all to make it happen, while Sydney is close, its still going to take work to get us all over there!
I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to help in the preparation of World Youth Day, because I know that Christ is calling us all to participate in one way or another; whether we travel to Sydney or not; whether we are young or old; whether we are adults or children. I look forward to the the opportunity to worship and learn with Catholic people from so many other places in the world.
Sometimes we need a chance to get serious with things, and I think World Youth Day offers us all a chance to get serious with our faith. Because of its size and the preparation that will be needed, we are all going to have to commit to the Church, to each other and to Christ. The extremity of the message of World Youth Day is also serious; encouraging us all to SERIOUSLY encounter Christ and be his witnesses.
I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to help in the preparation of World Youth Day, because I know that Christ is calling us all to participate in one way or another; whether we travel to Sydney or not; whether we are young or old; whether we are adults or children. I look forward to the the opportunity to worship and learn with Catholic people from so many other places in the world.
Sometimes we need a chance to get serious with things, and I think World Youth Day offers us all a chance to get serious with our faith. Because of its size and the preparation that will be needed, we are all going to have to commit to the Church, to each other and to Christ. The extremity of the message of World Youth Day is also serious; encouraging us all to SERIOUSLY encounter Christ and be his witnesses.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
First blog: Blown away
When I first heard about World Youth Day I was so blown away by the thought of so many Catholics being in the same place, at the same time, for the same reason, that I was determined to be a part of it. It is an incredible opportunity to be part of something this big which reaches and brings together so many different cultures from over the world. I am really looking forward to this aspect of World Youth Day because it is when we come together that we can draw encouragement off each other and be inspired in our journey with God.
I believe in this way, that World Youth Day will be an extremely encouraging experience, where we can stand with other Catholics and really be strengthened in our faith.
This will be my first WYD and I am honoured to be the ambassador from Hamilton. I’m looking forward to representing New Zealand and being part of this amazing pilgrimage in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Will keep you posted on the happenings,
Sarah.
I believe in this way, that World Youth Day will be an extremely encouraging experience, where we can stand with other Catholics and really be strengthened in our faith.
This will be my first WYD and I am honoured to be the ambassador from Hamilton. I’m looking forward to representing New Zealand and being part of this amazing pilgrimage in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Will keep you posted on the happenings,
Sarah.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
First blog: Shock and amazement
I sat in church last night during choir practice and I couldn’t move. World Youth Day; Kiwi Ambassador for the Wellington Archdiocese…it occurred to me that I was still in a state of shock and amazement. But all the while, humbled and excited that this role was given to me. It all seemed like a dream. My mother knows me very well, as she leans forward in the pews and pinches me hard. I look behind and she smiles and simply says ‘I had to pinch you to let you know that you’re not dreaming’.
I am passionate about my faith, and have found solace in my Church, and Church community. World Youth Day is an opportunity for young people to show the world our passion in our faith, and to pave the way for the future of our Church.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge people in my life and thank them all for their support and prayers – Parish of St. Patricks in Wainuiomata, Samoan Chaplaincy of Wellington, and my Samoan Community in Wainuiomata – all of whom can be attributed to shaping who I am spiritually. My family and friends; I am truly blessed to have the immense support of such people. My friends always remind me to have fun, which I think is an important aspect of being young! My family are so special to me, and they always remind me to keep my humility and stress the importance of my Samoan culture and language, which I treasure very much.
I am passionate about my faith, and have found solace in my Church, and Church community. World Youth Day is an opportunity for young people to show the world our passion in our faith, and to pave the way for the future of our Church.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge people in my life and thank them all for their support and prayers – Parish of St. Patricks in Wainuiomata, Samoan Chaplaincy of Wellington, and my Samoan Community in Wainuiomata – all of whom can be attributed to shaping who I am spiritually. My family and friends; I am truly blessed to have the immense support of such people. My friends always remind me to have fun, which I think is an important aspect of being young! My family are so special to me, and they always remind me to keep my humility and stress the importance of my Samoan culture and language, which I treasure very much.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
First blog: It is gonna be big... really big!!
I am ecstatic to be chosen as Kiwi Ambassador from the Diocese of Palmerston North.
Seeing other youth so passionate and excited about this experience has fueled me to want to get involved too! It is awesome to see so many people stepping out in faith and hope. This will be my first WYD. My sister attended the WYD in Rome 2000 and I have had a yearning to go ever since. So let’s journey together in faith and pilgrimage. Get curious, find out more and get others involved too! It’s gonna be big... really big!!
Keep you posted! J
Seeing other youth so passionate and excited about this experience has fueled me to want to get involved too! It is awesome to see so many people stepping out in faith and hope. This will be my first WYD. My sister attended the WYD in Rome 2000 and I have had a yearning to go ever since. So let’s journey together in faith and pilgrimage. Get curious, find out more and get others involved too! It’s gonna be big... really big!!
Keep you posted! J
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