TWO upcoming Easter events will engage young people and families in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Brisbane’s Emmanuel Community is once again preparing a Stations of the Cross presentation on Good Friday (April 22) at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
Presenting the stations since 2001, co-ordinator Luke Plant said its “vision came from a desire to do something public for Easter that young people can run themselves (and) for people of all ages to attend”.
The group will carry a 2m cross through the gardens, stopping 14 times to reflect on the traditional stations of “Jesus’ Passion”.
“The cross becomes the focus of the morning for each of the participants as well as many passers-by,” Luke said.
“So much of Jesus’ ministry throughout the Gospels is done in public places and that is where we need to live out our faith today.”
Presenting “great reverence” during the experience, more than 150 “regulars” have attended each year and it will happen “in rain or shine”.
For those wanting to travel further afield, the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community are again hosting “Light to the Nations”.
Offered for more than 20 years, it will be held from April 21-24 in the grounds of St Clement’s Retreat Centre, Galong, NSW.
“Young people come from all over the nation and find in the pilgrimage a new openness to God, a fresh experience of his love and a renewed discovery of the beauty and splendor of the Catholic Church,” founder of the Missionaries of God’s Love and director of the pilgrimage Fr Ken Barker said.
“Whether during a liturgical celebration or praying in the adoration tent or simply when among friends camped out in tents under the stars, Light to the Nations provides a unique context in which to open up to an encounter with the living God.”
Many pilgrims take part in Light to the Nations having walked 150kms from Canberra to attend, camping or staying in “simple accommodation” on the way.
Walkers in Canberra set out last Wednesday (April 13) before being commissioned by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Canberra and Goulburn.
Fr Barker said registrations had almost reached 800 and there are 1000 pilgrims anticipated, a record.
He also said at least half of those registered had not attended previously.
Light to the Nations events extend from a Mass of the Lord’s Supper to celebrations of the Lord’s Passion on a hillside and in a marquee, many opportunities to encounter God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance, times of commitment and witnessing the joy of the Resurrection.
“The Lord creeps up,” Fr Barker said of the Easter experience in “the tent city”.
“Young people have this wonderful opportunity to commune with nature … to do something away from where they would normally be.
“The whole experience lends itself to a deep experience of conversion (and to being) … witnesses of hope and joy in today’s world, especially to the young people in Australia.”
For more details about Light to the Nations go to www.lttn.org.au
Emmanuel Youth Outreach’s Good Friday event can be accessed via www.eyouth.com.au
