Palmerston North Diocese’s Hui was AWESOME!!!!

Since our Dio is so spread out, we had people coming from Taranaki, Whanganui, Palmerston North and also coming down from far parts of Hawkes Bay – and what can I say, all together, what a dynamic group and AMAZING bunch of people!

We came from near and far to unite centrally at Hato Paora College to spend time together, sleep on the floor, sing some waiata, learn about all the killer animals in Aussie (thanks A LOT Jonny Boon!) and play some interesting mingling games like SHAABANG – a very loud and unique arm movement game!

It was only 24 hours but we squeezed in so many memorable things - even a talent show and a beautiful candle lit midnight mass.
The Hui was a great time to get to know more of our fellow pilgrims, go over some details of our trip and even talk about what we want to come back to when we return from WYD.

It was very cool that our Bishop came out to spend some time with us too.

I left the Hui feeling really… well… TIRED! Haha, but importantly very excited and close to God. Thankyou to all those involved in the preparation – it was special and extremely worthwhile.
May we all take that enthusiasm we shared, back to the corners of our dio and share it with our families’ parishes and friends. It has made my anticipation towards World Youth Day even more powerful and the true excitement for WYD is forever brewing!
Thank you also to Hato Paora College – your facilities were fantastic and you were all sooo hospitable and welcoming.

Blessings, Jane Dravitzki

PS: I can't seem to find a good big group photo of us all but heres a nice photo of the Hawkes Bay group! If anyone in our dio has any good photos they'd like to share please do contact me - as you know i'm not too scary!

Haha, take care.

The journey continues....

I thought I would write a blog on the journey of the cross and icon, even thought they left our shores a long time ago...

When the cross and icon were here they had a huge impact on the thousands of people, young and old, who saw and touched it. The cross and icon served us in many ways. For some it bought enthusiasm for WYD. For others it gave an oppertunity to gather in out various communities. But most importantly, it bought to our country a powerful reminder of Gods LOVE and MERCY!

I wanted to remind you all that the journey continues. It has been having a profound effect throughout Aussie and has had an amazing effect on its communities.
It has travelled for 315 days, through 27 dioceses (including Military and Maronite), been involved with 30 communities and movements. It has travelled about 65 000kms (including flights, seen 2000 events and about 250 - 350 000 people have been directly present brfore the cross & icon. Pretty amazing huh?

So let us remember our Australian neighbours in our prayers and remember the buzz that the cross and icon bought to us.
Check out the video highlights - they are well worth watching (my fiancee made them!!)

http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en/media__1/download_centre/jci_videos

hey howzit goin? frm B16 lol

Hey I saw something cool today...

Apparantly Pope Benedict XVI, or B16 in txt language, is going to be txting pilgrims messages of hope and inspiration throughout the WYD week! I think its pretty cool that he is going to be keeping in touch with youth in a way that most of us are used to.

This is a first for any WYD.

So while the Pope is making an effort to keep in touch with us, we should make an effort to keep in touch with Christ. Remember that while some of us send heaps of txts everyday, we often forget to send messages to Christ, through prayer.

Maybe everyday you could send a message to heaven, not in a "txt" but in a "pryr"!!

Lest we forget...

ANZAC day inspires in us all a deep sense of respect and awe. We have heard and will hear many stories of the battles, some with happy endings and some not so.

Whilst my story does not directly link to the Great War and to Gallipoli, it does speak of the very same ideals that makes up the ANZAC spirit.

My grandfather served with the 28th Maori Battalion in WWII. He fought in battles in North Africa, Greece and Italy. Papa was eventually sent home from the war before it ended.

He was sent home because of an attempt on his life... from his own soldiers! Papa was given charge of a small infantry. From all accounts he was a hard man. He was so hard on his men that they colluded to kill him.

For his own safety, he was sent home. Nine months later the war ended. When the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII were held, many of the soldiers in Papa's infantry were there. That day several of them came up to Papa and thanked him for his harsh treatment of them. Without it they concede, that they might not have survived the war.

Papa used to always say to me, "War does not determine who's right, it only determine's who's left!" The horrors of war must be avoided. If we are truly serious about honouring those who fought so bravely for our freedom their sacrifice must not be repeated.

Christchurch pilgrimage to Temuka!! A huge success!!

The pope’s Christmas message spoke about people needing to make time for Christ in their lives. Often in the modern world we don’t have time for Christ. The Temuka pilgrimage gave all those who attended a rare opportunity to take an entire day to reflect on their relationship with God.

The day began with an excellent Mass celebrated by Bishop Barry Jones. Many of the young people there are grateful for a Bishop who takes an active interest in the youth of his diocese. The day was also a chance to meet most of the people who are going to World Youth Day.

After Mass there were three formation sessions, one by Eddie Caudal and Ken Joblin on belonging to the family of God, one by the Sisters of St Joseph on the life of Mary Mackillop, and one by Dean Mischewski on the plan of salvation. I personally found the focus on Mary Mackillop to be very insightful. I have very little in common with St Anthony (the desert father) so it was nice to encounter a modern saint who lived in the same county as I do. Paul VI spoke about the need for witnesses to the Catholic faith, Mary Mackillop was a powerful witness to all the Gospel values.

There were several trials during the day, including two buses breaking down, but this is all part of the pilgrimage experience, and there will definitely be trials at World Youth Day. The day concluded with a powerful time of adoration.The Temuka pilgrimage was invaluable preparation for World Youth Day. I’m very grateful to all those who put in so much time and effort into organising the various events.

By Michael Hempseed

Blessed Mary Mackillop... Pray for us!!

Hui in Tokoroa to signify start of the Journey!

Hey everyone

The weekend of Palm Sunday the Diocese of Hamilton held a Hui at Tokoroa to mark the beginning of our pilgrimage to World Youth Day. There were about 150 pilgrims representing nearly all of the groups from our diocese and we were accommodated by the lovely people at the local marae. The weekend was planned to be a small representative of WYD itself. On the Saturday the Catholic Youth Mission Team (http://www.livethetruth.org.nz/) ran games for the pilgrims which I think went down really well. It was a good no pressure way for everyone to interact and get to know each other a little. In the evening we had an information session about some more WYD details and excitement. We watched a beautiful section of a DVD which followed a pilgrimage of priests and Jesus through the streets in American I think.. The monstrance was carried through the streets and people followed.

Later that evening Bishop Denis led all of the pilgrims in an hour of adoration.

The following day we prepared for church at Saint Pius X which is just down the road from the marae. We all walked there together with most of the local parish people also.

After lunch Bishop addressed the pilgrims and we also had a brainstorm about what they would like to see after World Youth Day. This was very productive and the diocese is going to work towards putting some of the ideas of that day into place to maintain the WYD legacy.




Inside the marae:



















Before church:






















The whole group:

Rejoice - Jesus is Risen - Alleluia

I found it interesting during evening prayer this week with my Grove community members how one could draw parallels between Jesus' resurrection and World Youth Day. How you might ask?

A passage from our reflection spoke of Easter as an anti-climax.
Ash Wednesday had a sense of new beginnings. Lent was a project, a spiritual challenge.... Holy Week was a crescendo, Easter a culmination. Then nothing. Back to normal. 'Ordinary time'.

We too have been involved in a similar pattern - when we decided to travel to Sydney there was sense of new beginnings. The 'projects' of fundraising, retreats, and group meetings could also be a sense of spiritual challenges for our journey. The week of events in Sydney a crescendo, leading up to the final Papal mass - a culmination of all that we were journeying towards.

Then nothing. Back to N.Z. 'Ordinary time'.

But herein lies the beauty of the resurrection. Because for us, this was not the end.
Easter week should be everything - as it was with the first disciples. And it should be for us what it was for them - a beginning and not a conclusion; an awakening and not a tapering off.

This is the challenge for us young people - those travelling to Sydney and the many supporting us from home - the pilgrimage to WYD2008 should be our resurrection story. The build up to Sydney has long begun, and we await with great joy the weeks events in July - yet it will not end upon our return home. The legacy is here to remain through us.

Go Tell Everyone!

Kia Ora, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been because you haven’t heard from me in a while its that I have been so involved in the Holy Week and Easter liturgies for our Parish.
So now that those celebrations are over, I can finally sit down and write to you.

But no sooner have I begun writing, I realise that another huge celebration is looming very soon….

I can remember when our diocese first started to prepare for World Youth Day 2008. It was in July 2006! Bishop Pat hosted Bishop Anthony Fisher who is the Bishop in charge of WYD08. When +Anthony visited he met with many interested people and outlined Sydney’s plans for WYD.

Its mind blowing to think that we began preparing for WYD 2008 a whopping 637 days ago. I mention the time in days because on April 8th 2008, we officially count-down the last 100 DAYS to World Youth Day.

To mark that significant milestone a National countdown will be initiated at Aotea Square on Tuesday 8th April beginning at 11.30am. Dignitaries and celebrities will be there…and I hope you will be there too! We’ll have live bands and a few speakers, but the main event is the official 100 day countdown launch. Yeah I know its during the week, but just ask the boss for an early (an extended) lunch break… The whole event will be about an hour so come along.

You may also decide to do something special to mark the event in your own parish or school. Why not even start your own 100 day countdown clock outside your school or church. If you think you might plan something then give me a buzz and I’ll tell the world!

After all, this is WORLD Youth Day… and we want the WORLD to know about it!!!

Well my friends, I hope to see you at Aotea Square! Don’t keep the faith… share it!

Easter Blessings!
Manuel

Easter Blessings on you all

Hi all,

Just as I posted that last one out, I just thought I'd take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Easter. May our good Lord bless you all this Easter season and that the death and resurrection will bring a sense of renewal in body and spirit. For those who are travelling this weekend, I pray that you travel safely on your journeys.

Try not to go too hard on the chocolate!

Let us remember the Passion of our beloved Jesus, I pray that his final pilgrimage will be the focus of our great pilgrimage this year - that it was through God's love that we are all here today.

To the ambassadors (because I think we're the only ones who read these blogs anyway, haha, kidding) - can't wait to catch up with you all soon. Keep up the great work each of you are blessing your diocese with - malo lava le onosa'i.

Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso - Ia manuia lava le Eseta!
Blessings!

Wellington Archdiocese Samoan Youth Rally

March has been a month of many blessings – and not just because I celebrated my birthday earlier in the month, yay! - but because of many things, today I will share of the events of our Youth Rally ….

March 1st – Wellington Samoan Chaplaincy Youth Rally

The theme was youth for Christ - and there was no doubt as we began at 7am marching through the streets of Newtown that we young people were making a stand for something more than ourselves – we were shouting, singing, and chanting our faith out loud.

Quick run down of some of the highlights:
Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Dew, with our visiting clergy from our French delegation who will be visiting Wellington during Days in Diocese in July. How fortunate we were to share our culture with others in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Her honourable Luamanuvao Winnie Laban represented Her right honourable Helen Clark who was called overseas. Luamanuvao spoke beautifully of her journey in life, and there is no doubt that many young people were uplifted and inspired by her stories of cultural sacrifice, hard work and perseverance.

Celebration of song, dance, and speech from the thirteen Samoan youth groups of the Wellington Archdiocese. Messages of hope, peace, coming together and love were shared – what a sight to behold leading into WYD2008 – this is what it’s all about!

Ikenasio Tuia. This young man’s sharing on his journey as a Samoan Youth and his journey through spirituality was truly touching. How fortunate we have been in our diocese to have such a courageous and humble servant who is willing to share his love for Christ. His sharing invited young people to question their own journey, and to challenge us all to take up our crosses and to not be afraid to follow Christ.

I was honoured to also have the chance to speak, and the feeling of being on stage and sharing my journey with the youth was such a special gift that I will treasure. My only prayer is that, even if it is only one person, is that my sharing was able to stir a sense of want for youth to journey closer with Jesus.

I am so excited for what WYD2008 is bringing to our communities. We have so much to offer our church, our energy, our passion, our longing to be drawn nearer – it goes beyond one event – and this rally made me see this clearer. WYD2008 has begun everybody! It’s happening all around us, whether it’s fundraising, group meetings, or marching through the streets holding banners.

Stay tuned for more of what March has blessed me with including an update on our Youth Mass on Palm Sunday – we packed out the Cathedral!! Plus,photos from the Rally - I'm on the hunt for these as we speak!

Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.
God Bless you all!

Milestones not Millstones!

This week two great milestones occurred.

On March 10th, I and those around me celebrated the anniversary of my birth! I really was a beautiful baby... or so my mother tells me. It is probably fair to say that she didn't know me that well when she named me otherwise right now you could be reading the blog of a Mark or a Thomas? I hear even the name Engelbert was proffered (Yes... after Engelbert Humperdinck, my mothers idol!)

Instead she named me Manuel, deriving from the Hebrew Emmanuel "God is with us!".... Hmmm....

I remember my first job interview and I sat down in front of the person conducting the interview and he asks, "What's your name?"
In my breaking adolescent voice I reply "Manuel Beazley"
to which he continued, "When's your birthday?"
"March 10" I confidently respond.
"What year?" he asks.
"Every year..." I cheekily admit.

Sad to say, but I didn't get the job, but it wasn't too long before I was sitting before an employer being interviewed again.

Anyway enough about me... another birthday been and gone.

The other significant milestone is the payment deadline for the Travel and Administration component of the World Youth Day pilgrimage on March 11th.

Travelling the diocese and being a part of so many fundraising events I have accquired a deep respect for the leaders, parents and supporters of all the WYD pilgrims who have tirelessly sold cakes, sausages, prayer cards - you name it. They've washed cars; put up with loud music at fundraising socials; sold raffle tickets; walked the streets...etc.

They are the un-sung heroes of this WYD pilgrimage and I just want to take my hat off to you. You are all amazing and I know that when WYD is over, your work and efforts will begin to bear fruit for the Church and the kingdom of God.

Secondly, congratulations to group leaders who have put in a hell of an effort (can I say hell?? oh well) over the last 12 months. It is largely due to your commitment and leadership that this pilgrimage will be successful.

Speaking particulary to the group leaders of the Auckland diocese but in the same sense to group leaders throughout the country. The diocese is indeed very appreciative and grateful for all that you have done and all that is still expected of you. This has been a mammoth undertaking for us all and I personally have nothing but admiration for you.

May God continue to bless you...

Children's Day

We're all focusing on World Youth Day 2008 yeah? But did you know that National Children's Day has just passed?

Yep! The first Sunday of March for the past 8 years has been designated National Children's Day. More than 1000 public events were held on Sunday (including one at my parish) to celebrate the gift that children are to the world.

"He took the children in his arms and put his hands on them and blessed them"

Mark 10:16.

If only we all could do the same - and just simply hug the children! I spoke at our Parish Masses on Sunday and encouraged all parents to hug their children - even the adult ones! and show them how much they love them.

Since being married, my wife Pata and I have adopted my sister's daughter. It is somewhat of a Maori custom for the oldest sibling to adopt and raise a siblings child. By doing this the mana (dignity) of our adopted child increases because now she has two sets of parents who will love her.

Most of you will know her. She and my wife are never too far from my side, either at events or meetings. Her name is Paris. She is adorable. Honestly, she is the best kid in the world. She has never given us any trouble and so loving her is a joy and not a chore.

Here's "Fairy" Paris at the Onehunga Youth "Fairytale" Ball

... and here's me and Pata at the same Ball!

Loving children should never be a chore. If you are blessed with children, love them and protect them. Make every day 'children's day' and give your children the most precious thing you have - your time.

Please pray for all the children of the world and all those yet to be born. Through our prayers and love may they never leave the arms of Jesus who will ensure their safety and love them into the fullness of life.

Wow! It is 'all go' in the deep South!

With July fast approaching, the WYD pilgrims from the Dunedin diocese are now getting very excited! We have students from St. Kevin's, Kavanagh College, St. Peter's, Verdon College and Otago University as well as other young people from the diocese now speaking to their schools and parishes about their excitement and plans for Sydney. Fundraising has been going well down here with individual work as well as school, parish, cultural groups and diocese-wide fundraising. I have been delighted to get e-mails from people wishing me well and all of the pilgrims from the dunedin diocese. Thank you!
As I'm a teacher at Kavanagh College, over the next few weeks I will be getting some of my students who are going to WYD to add to this blog site. Please read their blogs as well as mine and send us a message.
LIVE FULLY...BE CONNECTED!

Our patrons

Hey everyone, I hope that all the preparations, material and spiritual, are going well.

Something that really touched me a few months ago was finding out about the patron saints of WYD. We are all asking our families, friends and communities to help us out but we must remember that we have our friends in heaven to help us, pray for us and guide us too!!

The patrons of WYD are some of the most amazing and inspiring lives led over the last couple of hundred years, and are so valuable as a source of intercession and information. What is awesome is that these people are probably praying for us as we speak!!

St Therese of Liseux (a personal favourite) was a Carmelite nun in the late 1800's and lived a life completely full of love for Jesus, St Faustina was a Polish Sister of Mercy and was tod by Christ the message of Divine Mercy, St Maria Goretti was a young Italian martyr who died in order to protect her virginity from rape, St Peter Chanel was a French missonary priest martyred in the Pacific, Blessed Peter To Rot was a married Papua New Guinean who was Martyred in a Japanese concentration camp, Blessed Mary Mackillop was an Australian Sister who started the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frasatti (another personal favourite) was a young Italian man who gave his life to God and the poor, Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta one of the most inspiring women of the 20th Century, who started the Missionaries of Charity, Servant of God John Paul II, the most inspiring man of the 20th and 21st Centuries, our former Pope and the founder of WYD's, and last but certainly not least Our Lady of the Southern Cross.

You should ALL read about these saints more, it WILL change your lives and lead you futher towards Christ and make your journey towards WYD more special...
Check out http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en/about_wyd08/wyd08_patrons



Blessed Mother Theresa



Blessed Peter To Rot



Blessed Pier Giorgio



Servant of God Pope John Paul II

Lent thoughts

Hello everyone.

Today was my first day back at University as a second year student. I moved into my flat on Wednesday last week and I have to admit it was slightly daunting settling back into again. I struggled for a bit with whether I was in the right place with my life and whether I was do the right thing before God. But after talking with a few important and special people I feel much more at peace. That is what I would like to talk about in this blog. I feel better and at peace with my life now because I was reassured about God’s ultimate control and master plan. We do not need to worry so much because God already has a plan for each and every one of us. The best we can do is listen and follow His almighty guidance. “I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

During your World Youth Day preparations this month and this Lent season, I would just like to encourage you to listen to God for guidance and peace of mind, because He simply knows better than we do.

God Bless, and good luck,

Sarah


NB. I would also like to mention that I made a World Youth Day bebo page. Check it out at: http://www.bebo.com/WYDSYDNEY2008 If nothing else it is incredible to see the number of people adding themselves as friends. I have also found it amazing to talk to them individually because they all come from different countries and have different stories to tell about their journeys’ so far.

The Bucket List

Last night I went to the LIDO Cinema in Epsom to a movie fundraiser in support of pilgrims from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Epsom. The film on show was “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The story revolves around two men, Edward Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman), two men who met totally by chance as a result of illnesses suffered by the other.

Both men are diagnosed with terminal conditions and only have months to live. After coming to terms with their situation, the pair draw up a “Bucket List, a list of things that they would like to do before they both “kick the bucket”

The list included daredevil antics like sky diving and also the more abstract, such as “gazing upon something majestic”. The film labours through to the inevitable, Carter dies first and then at age 81 Edward Cole dies as well. In fulfilling their bucket list, the pair find out a lot about themselves and in a strange way about the faith (and lack thereof) that they possess.

Which brings me to today’s blog. The message which came through loud and clear for me was to live life fully! Part of the motto for the WYD NZ project is “Live Fully….Be Connected” Carter and Cole ‘connected’, mutually invigorating life for the other. Why wait till we’re told that our years are now months for us to start living”

Jesus came so that we may have “life to the full” (John 10:10). The fullness of life is so fundamentally dependant on the quality of our connectedness; to God; to creation and to each other. Carter and Cole eventually found the fullness of life – to love and to be loved but it took them their whole lives to find that out.

The Kaitaia Milk truck has a bumper sticker that says, “Those who seek God at the eleventh hour run the risk of dying at 10.30!” Don’t leave it too late. Write your bucket list and get to it!

"His Eminince meets me for the second time!"

P.S. The Mass with Cardinal George Pell was a wonderful celebration. The Cathedral was packed. His Eminence spoke with great affection for young people and assured us all a warm welcome in July.

Youth 4 Christ - Samoan Chap holds youth rally!

(Von trapp family - haha! My Samoan Youth Group president Sapatu Sola with his followers)

The Wellington Samoan Chaplaincy are hosting a Youth Rally!!!

So if you in Wellington and not up to much THIS SATURDAY (1st March) come on down to the Ioane Vito Centre, Lawrence Street in Newtown.

This event is for all young people who wish to celebrate being young and loving God! Come down and march through the streets of Newtown (leaving from St Anne's Church @ 7:00 am - woohoo!), celebrate eucharist with Archbishop John Dew @ 9:00 - and then... drum roll please... Keynote speaker - the right honourable Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand! WOW!

The day will be filled with items from each of the 13 Samoan youth groups as they share on the theme of the day, entertainment from barbershop groups and opera singers, and just getting everyone excited for WYD2008 and beyond.

So come on down, you are all welcome - oh, and bring your lunch!

See you there!

The right honourable Helen Clark, Prime Minister of N.Z
admiring the Icon during JCI in Wellington with
Archbishop John Dew

We'll see you on Saturday!! :P

I heart group meetings

I love group meetings – I love my group. There is no reason why people shouldn’t love their groups, and with the amount of time you’ll be spending together and journeying together it is so important that we should enjoy each others company. My small group consists of a great mix of people, who I am proud to call more than just friends, but my family. We always make an effort to make meetings a fun event – casual sharing, making sure all views are heard, and laughing like hyenas at times.

So this blog is a tribute to my group – but more so is a reminder that this journey is allowing me to see God in the most unlikely places and faces. At our most recent group meeting we opted for a different venue and had a bbq on the beach. How fortunate we were to share our meeting with the wonders of God’s creation as the sun shone down and smell the ocean.

Let me know how your group meetings are going and if I hear of any cool creative meeting ideas I’ll post it on your behalf – because our journey is more than just fundraising and logistics; it’s about having fun and sharing the love that God shows through his people!

Your vocation - Your calling

Having recently chosen, or rather been led, to my vocation, I thought it would be cool to write a blog on vocations...

Over the summer holidays I proposed to my girlfriend Chelsea, and now she is my fiance. Choosing the path I felt God was leading me down was both an exciting and scary decision, but with prayer and the words "Do not be afraid" echoing in my heart, I decided to accept my vocation.

For so many of us fear can rule our decisions, but Christ is constantly saying to us "Do not be afraid..."

"If Jesus calls you, do not be afraid to respond to him with generosity. Do not be afraid; trust in him and you will not be disappointed."

Pope Benedict XVI

WYD 2006 message to youth

The call of the Lord Jesus still resounds today: “If any one serves me, he must follow me” (Jn 12:26). Do not be afraid to accept this call.

Pope John Paul II

2003 World Day of Prayer for vocations

“Rise, and do not be afraid.”

Matthew 17

World Youth Day is planning a massive Vocations Expo, where we will be able to see a wide range of vocations that the Church offers, and in an environment of faith, hope and love perhaps we will choose to discern a particular vocation we feel God is calling us into. After all the word vocation means literally "calling".

In order to prepare, do some research of your own first. There are some fantastic websites that perhaps you will enjoy and some fantastic videos on youtube that will inspire you.

A comprehensive Catholic vocations site...

http://www.vocation.com/

A two part vocations video, Fishers of Men, which is very inspiring

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9a1DpmCDuc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_SXSpzx4hY

So don't wait for WYD, get prepared so that the vocations expo will be even more valuable to you!!

Mr. Ambassador

What a weekend!
Your Ambassador has been busy... On Saturday I joined the pilgrims from the Parish of Otara and set off on foot to conquer Auckland! We walked the Auckland Coast to Coast walkway which begins in Onehunga on the Manukau harbour, winds its way up One Tree Hill, un-winds down and then finishes at the Viaduct on the Waitemata Harbour.
The walk was organised so that these pilgrims get a better idea of the great pilgrim walk towards Randwick racecourse on Satuday19th July. And so, bring it on in Sydney!
Whilst on the slopes of One Tree Hill the intrepid wanderers sent a message to Pope Benedict XVI assuring a warm welcome to him from the youth of Otara! Check it out:

Made from igneous rocks and visible fr0m the moon, the message says: "EAGLES (the name of their youth group) OTARA LOVES B16 (Pope Benedict 16) - Cool Aye?

Yesterday I was at the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption Onehunga to lend my limited cooking expertise at a breakfast fundraiser . A 1st Class breakfast was on offer for parishioners after each of the Sunday Masses. The young people of the parish worked hard to ensure the plates flew from the kitchen to the tables.

Congratulations to the young people of Our Lady of the Assumption who by their fundraising thermometer have raised a whopping $30,000.00!

And you think after all that, I could rest... nope it was more meeting people and cuddling babies and Ambassador stuff like that....

...oh and in between all of that I got to watch the rugby... go the Blues!

If you would like me to attend your events and fundraisers, I am good at almost everything! Just give me a buzz and let me know if I can be of assistance.



Well, until next week my dear friends... look out I may show up at your place soon!

A time for everything

A Time For Everything…

My granddad had a favourite prayer that he passed onto his grandchildren before he passed away a year ago. Every Sunday when we gather to pray the rosary we recite this prayer in our Samoan language since the day he gifted it to us – today it is a tribute to all that he stood for. My faith and my culture are the cornerstones of what makes me the person I am today, and I thank him for the gift of showing us the importance of prayer in our lives today.

It is the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, and it holds much meaning in my life. It reminds me of the constant challenge to bring about peace, love and hope into the world today. It is a challenge that we may all attest to everyday.

A time for Lent…

For me Lent has always been the time when you give up your lolly quota for the month, or when soft drinks and takeaways are put on hold, as we strive to sacrifice for the entire 40 days and 40 nights. It is a time to seek change, whether it is in lifestyle and what we choose to eat or in other aspects that require more work.

I like to think of Lent as a time to renew – to replenish and remind ourselves of the love that God has always given to us, yet we choose to turn away from and forget at times.

Lent is also a good time to renew and refocus our values of WYD2008 and what World Youth Day is all about for us as pilgrims. The underlying purpose of what we are called to do as young people in our church and in our world today – and how we can change and renew our lives for this mission.

A time for WYD2008…

With the pressures of fundraising (and trust me, we are all feeling this pressure!) and the stresses of having to get groups together or motivated, we must never forget the true values that Pope John Paul II called such an event to be held – that is for us to celebrate being young and being Christian in our world today! How privileged we are to have this invitation, and how great it is going to be for us to witness it together.

A time for pastoral preparation and retreats…

Much of this renewal and change requires reflection. In Wellington the last of our pastoral preparation retreats run by the Archdiocese Committee Youth Office has just ended, and what a joy it was to experience one of them. Each of the five retreats run over the months of December and January gave all pilgrims a chance to reflect on the nature of ‘pilgrimage’ and a glimpse of what we could expect on our pilgrimage to Sydney this year.

A time for finding ourselves…

Every pilgrim must be going through their own sense of change and growth. I am so humbled when I see another person deepening their faith through the gift of WYD2008.

Last weekend I had the privilege of spending time away with my fellow Sunday School Teachers from the Wellington Samoan Chaplaincy at our annual retreat. Our theme was based on the World Youth Day theme, particularly on the last sentence “You will be my witnesses”.

(Myself with L-R: Michael, Agnes, Letitia and Sarah – Sunday school teachers for the Samoan Chaplaincy also pilgrims to WYD)

I wish to take this opportunity to thank Fr. Mareko Tufuga and Sr. Pesio Iosefo for renewing and replenishing not only my calling to be a teacher, but reminding me of how each parish or branch of each diocese may use the theme of WYD2008 to the best of their ability. By choosing this you not only place emphasis on the importance of the teachings from the theme, but also validating that this year WYD2008 is a focus for not only young people but for everyone! Fa’afetai fa’afetai lava!

A time to get excited…

I have a great friend who is currently teaching in Japan, and who is at present visiting home for a few weeks. When I showed his some notes of what I was thinking to blog, he curiously asked “Since when did blogs become homilies?”, I guess this is the trouble when you don’t blog for so long that you have so much to write about (hehe). So, well done on making it this far! J

Let’s use this Lenten season to reflect on the purpose of our pilgrimage, to deepen our understanding of the theme and to seek change and growth in ourselves and in the world around us. Wishing you all well for the upcoming few weeks – GOOD LUCK WITH THE FUNDRAISING!!

LET’S GET EXCITED!!

God Bless,

Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso

Josie

Cardinal Pell's Coming

Kia Ora again. Well its not long to go... 154 days and counting!

As part of our build up to WYD we've managed to pull in Cardinal George Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney to celebrate a special Youth Mass with us in St Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday 23rd February at 7pm.

The Cardinal is in Auckland to celebrate the centenary of our Cathedral in its present layout. It was actually one of his predecessors, Cardinal Moran who dedicated the completed St Patrick's Cathedral 100 years ago. And so Bishop Pat pulled some strings and convinced the Cardinal to celebrate Mass with us before he heads home to Sydney the following day.

I remember the last time I was in Sydney I happened to meet His Eminence. He approaches me and says, "You're a big boy arent you!" and I replied, "There are some people who would say that His Eminence is an imposing figure also..." to which his response was, "I wonder whatever can they mean? (chuckle, chuckle)"

Seriously though, the Cardinal is a towering presence but more than that, I found him to be very gentle and affable. Come and meet Cardinal Pell and celebrate Mass with him and the young people of Auckland. See you there.

YeAhhYaH it is THIS YeEeAR people!! :D

I am counting down!!! I am pumped for the year ahead and the blessings it will bring. How are you all going??? We wanna hear!!!! Drop us a line!!! :D

Well me… What have I been up to? I have just got back from holidays. I spent some great time with family and friends and was busy as usual! There has been a lot going on over the summer that has enriched my faith and anticipation towards World Youth Day.

I attended Hearts Aflame Catholic summer school in Taranaki for 10 days with lots of other young Catholics aged 18-35. It was great to learn more about the essence and beauty of Catholicism. I loved being in such amazing environment and exploring my faith at a deeper level. It was also awesome to see and catch up with so many people from all over New Zealand that will be joining us in Sydney in just a few months time!!

Recently I helped take a group of youth from our parish to Parachute which is a Christian music festival held in Hamilton with around 30,000 people. It was a good time to come together, listen to some AWESOME music and speakers and even get a small glimpse of crowds, limited bathroom resources and ... ahh ‘humble’ sleeping quarters. Oh good times! I am slowly getting this whole pilgrim concept – even in the little things - this lead up and preparation is such an important part of our journey.

Fundraising is going well all over our diocese. Our pilgrims in central Palmerston North had a successful art auction and have spent some time on weekend car washes!! I have personally really loved being a part of it and it truly has been (can’t believe I am writing this) FUN-raising! Haha.

Johnny Boon (our Diocese Youth Coordinator) and I travelled around our Diocese and put on a retreat in each of our areas, Taranaki, Whanganui. Manawatu and Hawkes Bay. It was lots of fun interacting sharing our thoughts and also sharing some awesome feeds!!! Furthermore, we shared a letter from Benedict XVI to all of the young people of the world

– very powerful.

Well I have rambled on long enough! I Just wanted to give you a quick down low and share some photos. Please contact me if you have anything neat for me to share via blogging or just to have a chat. I wish you well over Lent. World Youth day is so close!!!

Take care, Jane. :D

Challenge yourself!!

I got my New Zealand WYD ACTIV8 folder the other day and in it was a letter from Bishop Barry (the Bishop of Christchurch), a letter from the NZ Catholics Bishops Conference, and a letter from the Pope himself!

You should all soon be getting one of these folders, with the letters and perhaps other things in it.

From Bishop Barry's letter and the letter from the NZCBC, something that really stood out was that we prepare will for WYD "so that [we] go as pilgrims, not tourists."

Our National Committee has developed a program that all pilgrims will be going through, but if your like me then you will want to get a head start on things...

As I have said in a previous post, PRAYER is essential for any pilgrim. If we go without prayer, it would be like a runner going to run a marathon and forgetting to take water. Groups are starting adoration sessions, don't be afraid to go along. Pray with music, pray with the scriptures, pray in groups, pray alone, pray out loud, pray in silence, pray 5minutes a day, pray an hour. The following quote is from Pope John Paul II:

"How to pray? This is a simple matter. I would say: Pray any way you like, so long as you do pray."

Another good idea, especially if you are a good reader, is to start reading some of Pope Benedict's writings. You should all get his letter, so don't let it lie on your bedroom floor, pick it up and read it, talk about it with your friends, parents, fellow pilgrims.

Also, if you are a bit older, maybe you could have a go at the two encylicals he has put out, God is love (Deus Caritas Est) or Saved by hope (Spe Salvi), the links are below.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

Both are great reads, and both are challenging reads, but isn't that what being a pilgrim is all about? Challenge yourself!

What are you giving up?

The very first thought that Lent brings to mind is giving something up. In my childhood, the standard was to give up lollies and the like. The reward for this fastidious denial of one’s passions was the promise of mountains of chocolate Easter eggs!

A few years ago a friend of mine told me that he had urged his children to try to give up something a bit more than lollies. One of his sons decides that he will give up arguing and fighting with his brothers and sisters. About halfway through Lent he asked the children how they were doing with their Lenten promise. The boy replied, "I'm doing pretty good, Dad—but boy, I can't wait until Easter!”

Sometimes we miss the point. We receive the Ashes on Ash Wednesday (well in my parish, on Thursday! but that’s another yarn!) and we are admonished: “Turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospel” Turning away from sin is a choice of a lifetime. A Lenten sacrifice only lasts 40 days. What are you going to give up?

Lets run this race!

Well... we have almost reached the end of the first month of 2008. For me it went uncomfortably fast!!

Group meetings are becoming more frequent, and pastoral preparation sessions are starting to take off, which is great.

This month I have been reflecting upon how sometimes in our lives we encounter setbacks and obstacles. These can be as simple as havng work when our WYD group is having a meeting, or as complicated as crashing our car and not having a method of transport. There are SO many things that can make life hard and difficult, but that is exactly what makes life LIFE!!

It is a real challenge to our human nature, especially in this day and age, to accept things that go wrong. It is a real challenge to find solutions for all the worries and problems that we experience. But the real challenge is to be joyful in our sufferings and continue praising the Lord for the life we have.

With the preparation for WYD you are going to be busy. With school starting, and jobs coming back from holiday, you are going to be tired. But I urge you to accept the challenge Christ places before us and run the race to the end.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12.1-2

Good luck

In Christchurch we are looking forward to many things in the coming months. Firstly, on the 17th of February there is a Youth Mass in the Cathedral, to which all are welcome. Hope to see you there!!!

Bring a rug!

Hey y'all... this is just a quick blog to invite you all to a FREE concert to raise awareness of the real struggles that people, especially young people can go through. The concert will be held at Tahaki Reserve in Mt Eden, from 4pm to 8.30pm this Saturday (2nd Feb 08). This is also one of several diocesan events leading up to World Youth Day.
How much can you pack into four hours? You name it, we'll see it! Music! Dance! Drama! Its all there!
Speaking of being all there... I'll be there! So come down and say hi. You can even get your very own photo with the Ambassador - cool aye? I've got a bit of stage time and if you're lucky you might just get a shout out from the stage!
There aren't too many things that are free anymore. So why not grab a few friends, grab a rug, bring some kai (food) or some money to buy f0od from the stalls and I'll see you there!

Sir Ed Hillary, a mountain of a man.

Yesterday, NZ and the world farewelled Sir Edmund Hillary. I was privileged to have known Sir Ed personally. I grew up in Otara, South Auckland and eventually I attended Hillary College. As part of Sir Ed's commitment to the school that bore his name, he often visited the school. It was on one such occasion that I was fortunate to meet this mountain of a man. Since then I have kept in regular contact with Sir Ed, the last time being about six months ago.
What I find so enchanting about the Ed Hillary story is that for someone who had a passion for adventure and for pushing himself to the limits, is that he eventually died of old age. That's an achievement!
I have been reflecting on what Sir Ed's passing means for me. Sir Ed scaled the heights of Mt Everest and in his own words, had "the world beneath his clumsy boots". He "knocked the bastard off!" But he did not stay at the top of the mountain. He came down and that's when his real achievements began.
In scriptural tradition, mountains were symbolic of the place where we meet God and where God speaks. He called Moses up a mountain, as he did Elijah and also as Jesus rendered his great "Sermon on the Mount". But all those people whom God called up the mountains, he also sent them back down. It's down the mountain where the people are and where life continues in its joys and struggles. Sir Ed knew what it meant to climb the mountain, but he knew even more what it meant to go back down!
The Sacraments and prayer are where we meet God; our mountains so to speak. But then God challenges us to go back down the mountains and into the real world and be agents of God's love and truth.
Thank you Ed for being an agent of that love and truth. Your example of simple kindness will remain with us forever.

Christmas thoughts...

Hey all. Hope your Christmas and New Years went well.

wanted to share this little letter with you all. Father Fernando read it to us during midnight mass here in Piopio. Definitely gives you something to think about..


Hello dear friend!

Well, as you know, it's time for my birthday again.

Last year, they had a really big party for me and it seems like they will again this year. After all they have been shopping and preparing for it for months now, and there have been announcements and advertisements almost every day about how soon it's coming! They really do go overboard about it, but it's nice to know that at least one day of the year some people are thinking about me a little. You know, it's been many years now since they first started celebrating my birthday. Back then they seemed to realize and appreciate how much fun it is for the little children. Just the same, it seems that most folks are missing the point of it all.

Like last year, for example, when my birthday came around, they threw a big party, but can you believe it? I wasn't even invited! Imagine! The guest of honor, and they forgot all about me. Here they had begun preparing for the festivities months in advance, but when the big day came, I was left out in the cold! Well, it happened so many times in recent years, I wasn't even surprised. Even though I wasn't even invited, I thought I'd just quietly slip in anyway. So I came in and stood off to the side. Everyone was drinking, laughing, and having a great time when all of a sudden came this fat fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phoney white beard shouting, "Ho ho ho!". He looked like he had more than enough to drink. When he collapsed into a big armchair, all of the children went running over to him excitedly yelling, "Santa! Santa!" I mean, you'd have thought he was the guest of honor and the whole holiday was just for him. Then he began telling them the most ridiculous story you ever heard! That he lives at the North pole with a crew of dwarfs and that every year on my birthday he rides in his sleigh pulled by a bunch of flying reindeer, delivering presents to children all over the world! I mean there wasn't a word of truth in anything that he said imagine telling such poor, little, impressionable kids such far fetched fables!

Finally I just had to leave. I walked out the door. It was no surprise that no one even noticed that I had gone. As I walked down the street afterward, I felt about as lonely and forlorn as a stray dog. I could not remember the last time I felt that low. Maybe you don't think I cry?

The little manger scene you put in the corner of your living room is really touching! It's good that people commemorate my birthday like that. Did you know that nowadays, in some countries, the authorities won't even allow manger scenes placed in parks, streets, or public places anymore? Not to mention their schools! I'm not talking about Communist countries! I'm talking about the good, old USA. Imagine! What could be more innocent than a manger scene to remind people of my birthday? Yet it's banned! They've passed laws against it to make it illegal. What is this world coming to? Another thing that amazes me is how, on my birthday, instead of giving me presents, most people give gifts to each other! And to top it off, it's usually the kind of stuff you don't even need! Let me ask you, wouldn't you find it odd if when your birthday came along, all your friends decided to celebrate by giving gifts to each and not giving you a thing?

Someone once told me, "Well, it's because your not around like most people are, so how can we give you a present?" You know my answer to that one?: "Then give gifts of food and clothing to the poor, give help to those who need it. Go visit the lonely! Any gift you give a needy fellow man, I'll count it as if you gave it to me personally." (See Matthew 25:34-40)

Well, there is an end to even my patience. So I'm going to let you in on a secret. Now this is something I have been planning on doing for quite sometime. I'll have my own party! How about that? It's going to be the most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, but I'm sending out the invitations now. I know you'll want to come. There is going to be room for billions, for everyone who wants to come! Some really famous old timers and celebrities are gonna be there and I'll reserve you a seat of honor right with them (see Matthew 8:11). So hold on to your hat because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise! Many people are going to be left out in the cold because they didn't answer my invitation. Let me know right away if you'd like to come. I'll reserve a place for you and write your name in large golden letters in my great big Guest Book!

Much love,

Jesus



bye for now,
Sarah

Holidays are over, back to work!

Well, if those were the holidays, then I've had 'em! Yes its back to work! Do you know this is my first Summer holiday in over seven years... Why? you ask...
As the Diocesan Coordinator for Youth Ministry we ran a Summer Camp for young people in our Diocese during January. Now that I am no longer with the Diocesan Youth Ministry I get to have January off! At first it felt a little weird and I was eager to get back to work. But now that I am actually sitting at my desk, I wish I were still on holiday.
There were a couple events that happened during that time which I'd like to briefly blog about. The first being the Feast of the Epiphany; the finding of the infant Jesus by the Magi and their presentation of some very strange gifts. I mention this because, their story was the inspiration for the theme of WYD 2005 in Cologne. "We have come to worship him" was their request to Jesus' parents. A focal point for the WYD 05 celebrations was the venerated Cathedral in Cologne; the Dom as the locals call it.
Tradition holds that the relics of the Magi are enshrined in that very Cathedral.
I remember not being very impressed by the Dom, having seen it in many photos, postcards and the like. That was until I exited the train station adjacent to the Cathedral and looking up to those famous spires and being absolutely awestruck not only by the sheer size of the Cathedral but by the detail its architects and builders had rendered to the building.
Entering the Dom with four other companions from our little parish Church in Otara we gazed upon the gold gilded reliquary encasing the Magi. At that moment, World Youth Day gave to us its truest expression. "We have come to worship him!" Whether or not the Magi relics were actually enshrined really didn't matter to us. What did matter was that five young people from Otara followed their faith and sacrificed, and fundraised, and did all that was necessary to travel to the other side of the world to 'worship him'
The second event also celebrates someone travelling to the other side of the world. Arriving on the 10th January 1838, Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier sailed into "God's Furthest Outpost" bringing with him the treasures of our Catholic tradition- the Sacraments. This year marks the 175th anniversary of that event and on the 13th January we celebrate the anniversary of his first Mass; the first on NZ soil.
For me, these two events capture the essence of these World Youth Days; that people are prepared to go to the ends of the earth, to follow their faith and worship the Lord.

Ia manuia lava le tausaga fou! Happy New Year to you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The word new – fresh, original, novel, beginning, start, a chance to start again – has always capitulated me to the fear of the unknown. There will be challenges of preparation and the huge task of fundraising, conflicts of interest and overcoming differences, as well as many doubts and defying many odds. However, with God as the foundation source of all and his amazing gift of faith, there is no doubt that the New Year ahead will not be shrouded in fear. We have nothing to fear – and it is in the learning of this message that I am excited – for faith is certain and true.

The events this year in Sydney are going to be great! This year!! Wow, no longer can we say, “This time next year”. How time flies, but I'm so looking forward to being able to pilgrim together and come closer to God and His people. As we journey through this exciting year, I will like to reflect briefly on 2007 and what a joy the year has brought upon us - and say thanks to God for all the blessings. In particular, I would like to share a special thanks to all those who have supported and showered their love upon myself in this humbling role as Ambassador. Malo lava le onosa'i, fa'afetai mo lo outou lagolago malosi, ma ia manuia lava lenei tausaga mo outou uma.

2008…. here we come!

I’ll keep you all posted on the great things we are doing here in Wellington – we are all very active in getting ourselves to Sydney – so watch this space!

May God’s love and guidance bring you all joy and prosperity as we continue to journey towards Sydney. Never forget to enjoy the ride, and have fun!

Happy New Year everybody!
Manuia lava le tausaga fou!

Happy New Year

As the Church’s New Year begins I have been reflecting on the Sunday readings, particularly the readings from the First Sunday in Advent. The readings focused on what was going to happen at the end of time. I thought to myself, “Why focus on the end at the beginning?”

The more I thought about the end, the more I thought about the path towards it. Then the penny dropped! I guess we are given the images of the end of time at the beginning of the Church’s new year to inspire us to think about the road(s) we will travel to get there. The end has pretty much been planned but the journey there will unfold day by day, month by month.

Get ready, be awake, stay alert! All cautionary statements that get us thinking about what it is we’re waiting for; why we should be alert. Its just like being on a bus. If you aren’t paying attention to your journey and just daydream through it; you could miss your stop!

This Advent I encourage us all to focus on the journey as well as the destination. Happy New Year everybody!