MORE than 1500 pilgrims journeyed into the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre at South Bank on August 18 as part of the Archdiocesan Youth Day (AYD07).
Fr Chris Ryan, who is accompanying the Cross and Icon around Australia, said a certain highlight for him of the day was seeing the Cross “surfing” over the crowd.
“I loved watching the Cross surfing over the crowd in the mosh pit … there was something extraordinarily prayerful about it,” he said.
Other highlights of the day included an address from Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane who was affectionately introduced as “ABJB”.
Archbishop Bathersby said that after attending three World Youth Days in Rome, Toronto and Cologne, he began to be known by young people as “Arch”, occasionally “Archie” and more than likely, “ABJB,” hence the introduction.
Speaking candidly about his World Youth Day (WYD) memories, which even included having to learn how to “sleep on the floor”, Archbishop Bathersby encouraged all young people to avail themselves of the current opportunity to witness the Cross and Icon in Brisbane until August 29, as well as WYD08 in Sydney next July.
“The Cross and Icon links us directly to Jesus and Mary,” he said. The archbishop said if we believe, “earlier rather than later” in Jesus, then life becomes the “exciting adventure it is meant to be”.
Archbishop Bathersby was principal celebrant at the Mass that followed the rally.
AYD07 included an array of musical and dramatic talents in festival-style events.
There was an opportunity to get “up close and personal” with the Cross and Icon in a beautifully prepared prayer space while the Sacrament of Reconciliation was also offered.
Various prayer groups and ministries were represented in an “expo-style” format that allowed participants to learn more about a host of faith enriching opportunities.
A concert in the evening featured music provided by Guy “Mutto” Mutton and the “rock-pop” outfit, Falling Short.
Project officer of the Brisbane WYD08 Secretariat Michael Hart said he was pleased with AYD as it certainly “met expectations”.
“The day provided a snap shot of what’s to come and it was wonderful to see the level of engagement of those present … to see the prayer room packed and so many avail themselves of (the Sacrament of) Reconciliation,” Mr Hart said.
A measure of the day’s success is often in the question, “When are we doing this again?” which Mr Hart said he was asked a number of times.
“That’s a very positive sign … young people want to know when they can bring their friends to the next one.”
