Brisbane archdiocese BrizStay program leading into World Youth Day 2008 included a touch of European royalty.
Prince Guillaume de Nassau and his younger brother Sebastien of Luxemburg were among pilgrims hosted by St Brigid’s parish at Nerang on the Gold Coast.
The parish hosted 33 pilgrims, with the largest contingent being a group of 28 European youth travelling with Legion of Christ Father Richard Greenslade.
They included youth from Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, France and the two princes.
Princes Guillaume and Sebastien arrived in Brisbane on July 10 before travelling to Nerang for a welcome Mass in the evening.
Their sister also stayed on the Gold Coast but at a different location.
Michael Ware, an organiser of St Brigid’s celebrations, said the welcome Mass included didgeridoo music, and a local indigenous elder was a guest.
He said that, while in Nerang, the princes stayed with host families and participated with other pilgrim activities including the Heart of the City celebrations at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane.
“They had no special treatment. Most parishioners didn’t know who they were. They were just two more well-mannered, devout pilgrims,” Mr Ware said.
“The whole group went to a surfing school on the Friday and the boys played football with other kids during the parish activities day on the Sunday.”
Mr Ware said Fr Greenslade celebrated all Masses while the pilgrims were in the parish and Legion of Christ Father Pedro Barrajon, who was also travelling with the group, celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Surfers Paradise parish.
“The group also included some of the princes’ cousins and their plans included a few weeks of travelling in Australia after World Youth Day but they left for home on August 13,” Mr Ware said.
