By Robynne Peatfield
“But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samara and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1: 8
If I read that particular verse about a year ago – I wouldn’t have understood why it would become so important in my life later on. On the 13 July this year (yes, slap bang in the middle of school) Mrs Pinnoy (our group leader) Shelley Efthymiades, Katie Davies, Chelsea Rebelo and I – along with Kevin Efthymiades and Robert Steenkamp from St. Benedicts – all picked up our beliefs and hopes, fitted them snugly into our suitcases and set off down under for ten days.
The above extract from the Bible was what World Youth Day was solely based on. We went to Australia with the intentions of making God a bigger priority in our lives – although I think I speak for all of us when I say we came back having gained so much more.
Once we arrived at St. Michael’s Primary School in Lane Cove, we soon settled in as we were sharing the room with seven other fellow South Africans from Cape Town – which I think made us feel right at home. On Tuesday, we all met up at the local church for a South African mass. Now the entire church alone was filled with South Africans alone, imagine what the Opening Mass (celebrated by Cardinal George Pell) was like, and to our surprise – not even every pilgrim was there. On Thursday, with double the amount of people from the Opening Mass, we gathered at Barangaroo for the arrival and welcoming of Pope Benedict XVI. It was amazing to see each and every person gathered there’s expression when he came into sight; almost 500 000 looks of respect, praise and joy continuously over the entire area.
For 3 of the days we attended catechesis at the St. Michael’s Parish with all the people who stayed in Lane Cove. These definitely gave all of us a more positive outlook on mass or church. Here, I learnt that even though all parishes are different and respect for God can be given in any way and any kind of worship. We learnt new and lively praise songs, listened to eye-opening homilies and shared Communion with people from all over the world.
That weekend can definitely be put down as one of the most spectacular of my life.
On Friday the 18th we walked to Hyde Park which is looked over by St Mary’s Cathedral. From here a dramatized re-enactment of the last days of Jesus’ life were portrayed. That night we attended an exciting Christian concert including Christian band Hillsong’s inspiring performance.
The following day we took part in the pilgrimage walk to Randwick Racecourse leading in to a beautiful evening vigil with Pope Benedict. It was here that we experienced what Verse 8 is referring to. Already the atmosphere at the racecourse was indescribable – but even more so the feelings that came over us when every nation worshipped our God and chanted ‘Benedicto!’ and ‘Viva el Papa!’ all in complete unison.
As we fell asleep under the stars that night our pilgrimage in faith and experience of the love and humility of God was confirmed.
We woke up on Sunday morning and sadly celebrated the final mass with Pope Benedict, and as the celebratory fireworks burst into the sky, and Guy Sebastien sang the heartfelt theme song, ‘Receive the power’, I got goosebumps throughout my entire body. And from that moment on, the verse from Acts became quite clear; The Holy Spirit gave us all a power that is evergreen, we received a power to be a light into the world, in our own (individual) ways.
Our small group was lucky enough to experience more than the official itinerary had planned. This included a visit to the famous Bondi Beach, the Taronga Zoo and a ride in a water taxi for a look at the stunning Sydney Opera House. But all of this wouldn’t have felt as awesome if we simply went for a short holiday. By the end of the trip I think we can all say that we have shared the room in St. Michael’s with any nationality, as we gained so many friendships and knowledge from all over the world.
It’s not often that you get to say you went to mass, but went to mass – a dinner with the Lord – and dined not only with Him, but with 750 000 others. Each one His child, and each one with the same belief and faith in his love as you have.
A big thank you must go out to Mrs Meyer who helped with all the organization and fund raising, and to all who supported us throughout our fund raising, and of course to Mrs Pinnoy who gave up her time to spend ten days taking care of us. Her company was really appreciated.
Going slap bang in the middle of school and having to catch up all the work we missed was so worth it.
Bring on Madrid!
No comments:
Post a Comment