Handover to Sydney

E muamua ona ou si’i le viiga ma le fa’afetai I le Atua, mo lana taitaiga ma lana puipuiga ia tatou uma. Ua taunu’u ma le manuia lenei Malaga, matou te vi’ia pea lau Afio. E avatu fo’i ma lenei avanoa e momoli atu le fa’afetai ia te outou uma lava mo le lagolagoina o lo’u tagata vaivai – mo tatalo, talosaga, aemaise le alofa – malo lava le tapua’i.

From the minute we touched down in Auckland, to the events of the Handover in Sydney, and on our return home, every moment was full of excitement, fun and emotion that can only be captured by those who were there to witness. Here is my testimony to those events …

The send off from the diocese of Auckland on the evening of Friday 30 June was rather special, and the Marist group LOGOS prepared a rather poignant part of the mass with a presentation to the diocese of the six Kiwi Ambassadors. Meeting the other ambassadors I must admit I was rather uncertain as to how we might get along. But, my concern was soon quashed as soon as we met.
The bond was immediately formed and to me it felt like we have known each other for years. Sarah (Hamilton) put it nicely when she noted how we are all so different in character, but what has brought us together and made our bond so strong is the foundation of morals and upbringings, but also how we are all traveling similar journeys. Just wanted to thank them from the bottom of my heart for making my journey that much more comfortable and fun, I can now say that I have made new friends for life; and that plane rides would never be the same again!

Geremy (Auckland) commented on how it was our job as representatives of New Zealand to wrap the Cross and Icon in all the mana it deserves, and show Australia how much of an impact it has had while here on our shores. This was not possible without our Kapa Haka group made up of the three Maori Catholic colleges – Hato Petera, Paora and Hohepa (Sts. Peter, Paul and Joseph respectively). These young people showed true mana and what it means to represent more than their schools or diocese but all young people of New Zealand. Be it their beautiful voices lifted in waiata (song), or their lively haka as we entered the grounds at Darling Harbour, to their laughter that filled our bus. I will remember the lovely smiles, and thank them for their huge part they played in assisting us in handing the Cross and Icon over to Australia.

Once in Sydney the highlight was obviously the days events of Sunday July 1st. We won’t even comment on the rugby game the night before; next please. J The day began with a moving ceremonial handover at the Sydney Airport in the morning, which was followed by a symbolic liturgy and veneration at Mary MacKillop place.

There were two distinct memories, which hold a special place in my heart as Ambassador. The first was the walk from Mary Mackillop place to Darling Harbour, whereby Archbishop John Dew was given the opportunity to join with the Australian Bishops, Archbishops, and Cardinal Pell in being driven to the venue. However, he politely declined and declared that he came to be with the young people – how proud we were to look across the crowd and see that it was our Archbishop who chose to walk and pilgrim with the Cross and Icon, but more importantly with the young people. I would like to extend my thanks to Archbishop John for showing a humbling example to us young people, I know for sure that many of us were so proud that you were our chosen Archbishop.

The second was walking the Cross into Darling Harbour. What an honour it was to be carrying the Cross, along with the other Ambassadors into the main event. As we walked in we were not aware of the huge crowd, until we turned the corner to an unbelievable surge of people trying to touch the Cross. We had to walk along the back of the crowd, next to a water canal feature in order to get to the middle aisle and walk up to the front. There were people jumping into the water trying to touch or see the Cross! Walking through the aisle to the front, we were overwhelmed with people pushing and surging forward to touch these powerful symbols, and screams from the crowd when it showed up on the big screen. It was here that I took a moment to appreciate how immense World Youth Day is, what an honour it was to be an integral part of the journey, and how huge it’s going to be next year! With the excitement and energy that the Australian people have, there is no doubt that if 8000 people who gathered at Darling Harbour are any example of what is to come – then WYD 2008 in Sydney is going to be great!

So, that is the spirit I can bring back from such a powerful, exciting, and moving handover. It’s been a renewal of many feelings – excitement, joy, gratitude, and hope. That we can only go forth, with the love of God and through the Holy Spirit, and be witnesses of His love and power. I am once again, so humbled and thankful to have been part of this journey. My sincere thanks to Dave Mullin, who was the backbone of our team – thanks for the leadership, initiative and sense of humour that you shared with us. Our very own Jaffa! J

To all those pilgrims, priests, religious, and family members traveling to Sydney next year – I have been told that what I experienced this year is only a small taste of what next year will bring. So, as we build towards next year, take time to prepare yourselves financially, resourcefully, but more so spiritually and emotionally. My prayers are with you in this time of fundraising, organizing, and preparing – and as I journey with you I will continue to share my experiences with you all …

Soifua ona o Iesu Keriso.