THREE university students and leaders in youth ministry are off to Rome next month to take part in an international Catholic youth forum.
Daniel Hill, Annaliese Wursthorn and Therese Rodway will represent the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference at the International Youth Forum, hosted by the Pontifical Council for the Laity from March 31-April 4.
They said they were looking forward to exploring the theme, ‘Youth and University: Witnessing to Christ in the University World’.
Therese, who is studying at Australian Catholic University in Canberra, said she was looking forward to making a positive contribution to the youth forum.
‘It’s a wonderful opportunity to attend these international events and to see that the Church is everywhere and is alive and healthy,’ she said.
Annaliese, who is studying at La Trobe University, Melbourne, said she first heard about the International Youth Forum late last year.
‘I remember thinking that it would be an amazing honour to represent Australia and I am really grateful for the opportunity to do this at the forum,’ she said.
She said she was looking forward to discussing the forum theme.
University years can be a time when people are finding their feet and asking the big questions in life,’ she said.
‘I feel there is a great need for a bigger (Church) presence in these institutions where so many people are searching.’
Daniel, who is studying at the University of Sydney, said he felt privileged to be nominated for the forum.
‘It’s a great chance to share experiences and learn what other people are doing and then to bring back those experiences with us when we return,’ he said.
‘I also hope we can teach them something about what’s happening in Australia.’
He said although they had not met face-to-face yet, the three had talked to each other by e-mail and would meet before the trip to Rome.
