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!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
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.
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!"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
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
Monday, February 25, 2008
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!
Monday, February 18, 2008
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..."
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...
A two part vocations video, Fishers of Men, which is very inspiring
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?
And you think after all that, I could rest... nope it was more meeting people and cuddling babies and Ambassador stuff like that....
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!
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!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
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
Monday, February 11, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, February 8, 2008
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.
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
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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:
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.
Both are great reads, and both are challenging reads, but isn't that what being a pilgrim is all about? Challenge yourself!
Monday, February 4, 2008
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?
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?
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