AMID the bustle of an uncertain world around us, Brisbane Catholics are being invited to visit and experience a unique overseas mission. The Missionaries of the Poor are calling for volunteers to visit and serve in their mission house in Labuan Bajo on the Indonesian island of Flores, and to assist in the daily care of disabled residents. It might ... Read More »
Tag Archives: pilgrimage
The highs and lows of pilgrim life, hearing God’s voice in conversation with others
MY first experience of World Youth Day was in Krakow a couple years ago. I was amazed by the large crowd of young people who gathered from all over the world to celebrate and grow deeper in their faith. My pilgrimage group did the Stations of the Cross walk in Fatima. There, I heard Jesus calling me to be like ... Read More »
Pilgrims encouraged by Pontiff’s words and humble faith to uphold their Catholic identity
IN the heart of Panama City the beautiful Nuestra Senora del Carmen church was packed with young Australians celebrating morning prayer. Just by chance Bishop Michael McKenna of Bathurst, one of several Australian bishops in Panama for World Youth Day, passed the church and agreed to introduce prayers to about 250 visiting youth from Australia. Bishop McKenna’s message was strong ... Read More »
Pilgrims journeying across the world to discover a new place deep inside themselves
FOUR Cairns Catholic Education women have trekked their way to Panama to celebrate World Youth Day 2019. Catholic primary school teachers Jenai Stone, Natalie Jensen and Kara Martin set off with CCE identity and outreach director Sharon O’Keeffe to engage and explore their faith. Ms O’Keeffe said in a reflection that it had been a blessed journey so far. “While ... Read More »
Old feelings of loss and redemption for native-born pilgrims returning to Americas for WYD
AS young Catholics from across Australia arrive in Central America en route to World Youth Day in Panama, some have spoken of an emotional homecoming – their families fled strife-torn Central America decades ago, and this is their first chance to return. Other pilgrims have spoken of their hopes for coming face-to-face with Pope Francis and having a faith encounter ... Read More »
Aussie pilgrims flying flag of faith on the way into Panama World Youth Day 2019
AUSTRALIAN flags worn as capes, temporarily tattooed on arms and cheeks, and others held high above the crowds marked the entrance of the green-and-gold pilgrims into Panama City for World Youth Day 2019. An estimated 1000 Australian Catholics journeyed in faith to Panama for the five day event held from January 22 to 27. They joined hundreds of thousands of ... Read More »
Pilgrims from Rockhampton feel spiritually ‘woke’ after walking in the footsteps of Jesus
THIRTY-one pilgrims, including Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy, found themselves humbled and spiritually reawakened walking the roads Jesus walked. Fr Noel Milner, who has worked with parishes from Brisbane to Blackall, led the group with Bishop McCarthy to the Holy Land. “It is always a great spiritual privilege to go on pilgrimage – to walk where Jesus walked, as they say,” ... Read More »
Mount Isa’s young Catholics prepare for World Youth Day, look forward to seeing ‘Papa Franco’
CATHOLICS across the world are preparing their final checks as they board their flights to Panama for World Youth Day 2019, and among them are 21 from the Mount Isa WYD group. While the majority of the group are Mount Isa parishioners, four are seminarians – two from Toowoomba and two from Townsville – as well as a mother-daughter pair ... Read More »
Brisbane group representing the ‘unique and rich faith life’ of Samoan culture at Panama WYD 2019
WORLD Youth Day will begin in Panama this week, uniting millions of Catholics from around the globe. The festival has become a favourite for Australian pilgrims after it was launched in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. This year more than 40 Catholics from Brisbane will make the pilgrimage to Panama, including 15 from the Samoan Catholic Youth International (SCYI). ... Read More »