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.

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.

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.