AMID echoing cries of “Queenslander!”, 5000 pilgrims from the Sunshine State gathered on July 15 for a two-hour high-spirited celebration of faith and friendship to mark their arrival in Sydney for World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08).
Bishops representing each Queensland diocese including Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane and Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan of Brisbane, Bishops Brian Heenan (Rockhampton), William Morris (Toowoomba), Michael Putney (Townsville) and James Foley (Cairns), were joined by Papua New Guinean Bishops Francesco Panfilo and Gilles Cote and each were presented a “Maroons” rugby league cap amid much applause and celebration.
Archbishop Bathersby was given an accompanying “Maroons” jersey displaying his nickname of “ABJB”.
While addressing the lively crowd after “Mutto” and band and multimedia presentations of each diocese where the WYD Cross and Icon had visited, the archbishop also acknowledged the Papua New Guinean pilgrims present, sponsored by St Columban’s, Caboolture.
“As pilgrims you are not just on a holiday,” Archbishop Bathersby said.
“You are on a journey of faith … joining with thousands of other pilgrims who have left home to seek God here in Sydney (and) also to answer God’s call and to go back to your homes, your workplaces so that you can share your faith with others who are seeking also to begin their own pilgrimage of faith.”
Nattasha Pennington, 19, of Brisbane’s Eastern Deanery, then shared her joy in being sponsored by St Oliver Plunkett parish, Cannon Hill – where she had been confirmed just weeks ago – to journey to Sydney.
She is certain of doing exactly what Archbishop Bathersby envisaged in “sharing the faith” following World Youth Day.
“I’ve made the realisation that the Church isn’t just a building … the Church is the people,” Nattasha said.
“The parish has given me such strength … and I owe them a huge thank-you.”
