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Issue 8, December 2006, Highlights: Viewpoint - World Youth Day - Sydney 2008 World Youth Day - Sydney 2008 - Journey of the Cross and the Icon Alice Springs - Dreaming from the Heart |
KCP Magazine Alice Springs – 20 th Anniversary Assembly Celebrations REMEMBERING POPE JOHN PAUL II’S ADDRESS Dreaming from the Heart The 20th Anniversary Assembly in Alice Springs began on Monday evening ( 2 October 2006) with a traditional welcome from the Arrernte people, using a smoking ceremony. This was inspiring, and even healing, for those pilgrims who still looked tired after long trips from various corners of Australia. Each State made a presentation of a message stick with prayer; the youth also made presentations with an emphasis on the World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney. There were a number of workshops and exciting community tours with an opportunity to explore and experience the land and culture of the Arrernte people. The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, involving some of our traditional elders, and a healing Mass was inspirational. Mark Bin Bakar delivered a lucid keynote address straight from his heart and combined it with his gifts in music.
Bishop Christopher Saunders led the celebration of the Mass for the Youth and shared a strong message of hope and courage for the young people all over Australia especially as they prepare to host World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.
The active participation of the Indigenous peoples of Australia in the Assembly was enormous. The paintings brought to the Assembly, traditional songs and dances, the involvement of traditional elders in the reconciliation and healing liturgies, the aboriginal deacons and so many other activities were evidence that the seed planted by the Holy Father twenty years ago through his memorable and respected speech was yielding some fruits. Photo: Adriana, Ivy Rose and Jarrhan, were some of the youth enjoying the Alice Springs festival. Photographer: CAS Photo: Bishops participate in the Smoking Ceremony at the Opening Mass. Photographer: E Khaemba
“Do not think that your gifts are worth so little that you should no longer bother to maintain them. Share them with each other and teach them to your children. Your songs, your stories, your paintings, your dances, your languages must never be lost”. - address Pope John Paul II |
The Assembly concluded with a special celebration of Mass with a message from Pope Benedict XVI, read by Cardinal Cassidy. The Pope’s message mentioned that before God, we are all brothers and sisters regardless of our language, colour, or even tribe.