Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
26 Jul 2013
26 Jul 2013
It is probably true to say a pilgrim's life is not a salubrious one - but then it is not supposed to be really.
It is also true to say the 1800 pilgrims in South America for World Youth Day have been doing it pretty tough, and rough.
However everyone of them will tell you it has been one fantastic experience. The wet weather, muddy mission projects, interesting diets, transportation challenges and, probably worst of all the fickle internet connections,
fade into insignificance when the overall picture is considered.
fade into insignificance when the overall picture is considered.
This has been one powerful experience for them.
With their youth leaders, teachers, bishops, priests and religious travelling with them the pilgrims have given of themselves working in the shanty towns of Lima, Peru. Building stairways, a sporting field or chapel, the pilgrims
have toiled hard to contribute to the poor communities. And the smiles on the faces of the villagers, especially the children, has been reward enough.
have toiled hard to contribute to the poor communities. And the smiles on the faces of the villagers, especially the children, has been reward enough.
Now they have joined hundreds of thousands of other pilgrims from around the world and :Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro for the 28th World Youth Day.
The rain continues, venues have been changed but the enthusiasm is not dampened as they gather on the famous Copacabana for celebration and prayer.
Below is a link to an article written by a recent UNDA Graduate, Kiara Pirola, who is supporting the Archdiocese with a communications initiative called Catholic Talk. Kiara is in Rio for WYD2013 and has written of her experience.
Most of the pilgrims bed down at 'Aussie Central' opposite Copacabana
Bishop Julian Porteous, our cameraman Daniel Saban and CEO of Salt & Light Television Fr Tom Rosica meeting up
Kiara Pirola with young friend she met while on mission in Peru
Cardinal George Pell giving a Catechesis in Rio
Cardinal Pell celebrating Mass at Rio Cathedral
Comments