KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

After my experience of Köln and this year’s World Youth Day, I am convinced more than ever of the value of this expression of faith as a manner of useful formation of young people seeking Christ. The Pilgrimage of forty young people from Northern Australia on their way to Köln included visits to a number of Holy Places which helped focus the group on its goal of the pursuit of holiness. Such occasions immersed each pilgrim in the lives of Saints, those people who plainly have achieved holiness. The walled city of Carcassonne in the South of France revealed a 12th century Basilica with its atmosphere of quiet prayer. History spoke to us of the great Saint Dominic who preached there emphasizing the importance of truth over error. In Lourdes the young pilgrims found in the story of St Bernadette a testimony to simple faith. They looked at the faces of the sick, those who had come to Lourdes seeking healing, and saw there a witness to belief and hope. In celebratory moments they shared the profound thanksgiving that the Eucharist alone can offer.

The pilgrimage was never meant to be a holiday with its comforts and entertainments. The pilgrims lived simply and sought not to be distracted by those things that normally absorb the thoughts of holiday makers. They did ascend the Eiffel Tower in Paris but they also spent prayerful time at the major Basilicas and they walked in the footsteps of Saints. In Köln they slept on foam mattresses on schoolroom floors. Food was simple fare and the normal entertainments of home were missing. They learnt among other things, I believe, that there is value in a life lived simply.

The prayerful devotions of the Church, such as the rosary and candle-lit processions, were part of the experience of the pilgrims that will stay with them as special moments to be savoured. Hopefully such prayerful practice will serve them well in times of need in the future. They will be able to draw on their new-found and deepened relationship with Christ and the community of the faithful.

Because of the richness of this pilgrimage not only for the pilgrims but also for the Church in the Kimberley, I recommend that we be prepared as a particular church to support World Youth Day 2008 to be held in Sydney. It promises to be a unique opportunity for formation in faith for young people. We need to begin preparations now.