 |
||||||||||||||
July 11, 2008
Headed Down
Under: Pilgrim Youth Set Out
Bishop Says They Bring Hope to Wounded World SACRAMENTO, California, JULY 10, 2008 (Zenit.org).- World Youth Day pilgrims bring a glimmer of hope to a world on the brink of despair, says a member of the U.S. bishops' laity committee. Coadjutor Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento is gearing up for his third Youth Day. "Given the fears that we have, given what we see in the world around us -- war, famine, economic uncertainty -- we journey with certainty to Sydney," the bishop told Sacramento's Catholic Herald newspaper. "In the midst of fear and hostility, we go with confidence and joy." Youth in California -- just like all across the United States -- are in the final stages of preparation or already heading out to meet their peers Down Under. "World Youth Day is a religious pilgrimage," said Bishop Soto, who is also the episcopal conference's liaison to the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. "It has a spiritual purpose. "We hope the young people will provide a powerful protest against a world filled with division, neglect and deep hatreds. "Religion is often portrayed as a source of conflict. But the true nature of religion is revealing God's love by making us messengers. The pilgrims bring a glimmer of hope for a world on the brink of despair." Sacramento is sending more than 80 pilgrims to the event. About 100 youth from the Archdiocese of Chicago received Cardinal Francis George's blessing last month as part of their pilgrimage preparation. Cardinal George himself will be making the journey. He will celebrate a Mass for all U.S. groups at the Youth Day on Saturday, July 19, at an outdoor location in the center of Sydney. Meanwhile in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., 25 young adults are headed out -- including four seminarians. Like many of their fellow pilgrims, they have raised money to pay for the trip. Activities ranging from car washes to the sale of homemade ice cream have helped foot the bill. Across the Atlantic, some 800 young Irish are already in Australia or leaving this week. Nine of their bishops, including Cardinal Sean Brady and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, are accompanying them. And the bishop of Westminster in England, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, had a special message for pilgrims, posted today on the blog that will keep families and friends back home updated on their pilgrims' ventures. He said: "I am delighted that the Diocese of Westminster will be taking part in the 23rd World Youth Day, the theme of which is, 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.' "For those of you who are participating for the first time, you may be excited and possibly, a little nervous. But do know that as a diocesan family you will find great support and friendship along the way. It will be a great gift for us to be together and in communion with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. "The Holy Spirit will help us in Australia to rediscover our faith if it is lost, strengthen it if it has become weak, and help us to savor it as fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." |