The Record Newspaper 25 August 2005

A Church out of touch?

Look again

Cologne 2005

BE LIKE HER

Young people in WA are especially being invited to answer Benedict’s call to say ‘Yes’ as Mary did by joining in a special prayer on the Mother of God’s birthday Page 22

RADICAL STUFF

Political ideologies suffocate human freedom, but the Saints have always shone through. The Pope called young people to follow the ‘shining path’ they trod.

Pages 12-13

Proving World Youth D ay is a phenomenon that has sur vived its founder,

Proving World Youth Day is a phenomenon that has survived its founder, John Paul II, approximately 1.5 million pilgrims c ame to Cologne last John Paul II, 1.5 million came to last week seeking just one thing - to encounter Jesus. All over the world young week seeking just one thing - to encounter Jesus. All over the world young people are finding what their parents ’ generation let slip through their are what their parents’ let their fingers - that the C hurch offers Jesus C hrist as the answer to ever y human - that the Church offers Jesus Christ as the answer to every human question - and it really is true. question - and it is true. REPORTS INSIDE

The

They came in the 1.5 million youth show us all

■ By Peter Rosengren

Here at The Record we found ourselves faced with the question of what to include and what to leave out as we put together this edition of the paper. Part of our problem came from the fact that we had enough material to fill several editions.

What was important?

In this edition you will find three articles we regard as key. They are all messages from the same person: Pope Benedict XVI.

• In Europe and in countries like Australia the Church appears, numerically, to have its back to the wall. Congregations are withering in parishes and a tiny percentage of the young show any serious intention of continuing in the faith in which they were baptised.

• Most European countries and countries like Australia appear to have relegated traditional Christianity and the Catholic Church in particular to a position of irrelevance in their public and private lives; approximately 10 to 15 per cent of Catholics describe themselves as practising their faith, and this figure continues to decline.

So something is definitely going on when more than a million youth are prepared to travel from all over the world to meet with a man close to 80 years of age promoting a message, the core themes of which go against everything they have learnt from their parents, their societies and the media.

What’s going on?

Think John Paul II, the man who instituted WYDs more than two decades ago.

Most Iraqi pilgrims couldn’t make it - but some decided to be there in spirit

17

COME TO HIM

The one you are searching for is hidden in what looks like bread 18

As we read them we became enthused by the deep, clear (and limpid) insights of Benedict conveyed in fresh language and new concepts. We read bits of them out to each other. As we did we knew that what Benedict wanted the youth of the world to hear was what we wanted to pass on to our readers. And so you will find the three addresses on pages 8-9, 12-13 and 18-19 of this edition.

Read them, think about what Benedict means, put them down for a day or two and then come back to them. You will find much to enrich your life.

Meanwhile, the gathering of more than a million young people with Pope Benedict XVI at Marienfeld just outside Cologne last weekend should simply not have happened.

The fact that it did take place at all goes against much of what we know about the contemporary situation of the Church in Europe, countries like Australia and, to a lesser degree, the US:

• On issues of key Church teaching the great majority of those who have been baptised as Catholics see the Church as out of touch, repressive and irrelevant – it may attract quaint nice old creatures like a Mother Teresa from time to time, but that’s about all. When it comes to key issues of Christian identity and Church teaching about ethics and human sexuality such as abortion, contraception, divorce and euthanasia most Catholics appear to have decided the Church has no voice worth listening to. Their views of what’s right and wrong appear to be formed more by TV sitcom and soap opera scriptwriters than by the Church’s 2000-year-old tradition of wisdom based on God’s plan of love and life for each and every human being.

• One notable symptom of Christianity’s apparent disappearing act came recently when the European Union, now almost completely dominated by political correctness, determined that more than 1500 years of Christian tradition is too confrontational to mention in its Constitution.

JPII understood the drift of his times and simply led from the front. He decided to go out to youth and meet them in order to tell them about the most important thing in their lives – Jesus.

Jesus Christ, he told them, is the answer to every question that is found in human life.

The young responded. They loved it. Ever since then they have been switching on to what their parents’ generations let slip through their own fingers – that Jesus made each and every one of us, He loves us, He died for us and then rose from the dead and has prepared a destiny for us to live and reign with him in Heaven for all eternity.

Unlike their parents’ generations the young have embraced the Church and embraced it unconditionally. Here is a message which is straight-talking and uncompromising and not at all like the wimpy watered-down bland anodyne bloodless Christianity promoted so much in affluent societies of the last 40 years or so. It is also positive and uplifting. It gives them certitude that at last they have found teachings and leadership they can depend on. Most important of all it brings joy – the joy of knowing Jesus really is alive and watching over them, calling each and every

Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton gives his homily, during Mass with more than 90 pilgrims at the Adoration Church in Schoenstatt, Germany.

Photo: Phil Bayne

Pilgrims receive communion during Mass on Thursday August 18. Photo: Phil Bayne

footsteps of the Magi what is really important in life

one to know him personally. Enter Benedict XVI – portrayed by the media over the last two decades as some sort of ‘Panzer Kardinal’ but who turns out to be a shy, retiring intellectual giant possessed of a deep capacity to love.

One of JPII’s closest collaborators over the last two decades, he is a very different man to the last pope but one determined to give

the young the truth their hearts long for.

He is not the great actor and dramatist JPII was – that seems to be fairly clear. Instead he is a quieter, thoughtful man of ideas and concepts.

Benedict understands clearly what the young want, he understands the troubled times the Church faces. His strategy is fairly

clear in its key thrusts – keep offering Jesus to the world without pulling any punches.

The young are not, as so often portrayed, stupid. But they are heavily influenced by their peers and by the moral relativism affluent societies have embraced at all levels.

These young understand when someone is telling them the truth and giving it to them straight.

Benedict, like JPII, is someone they can trust, someone who will point them to true fulfilment in life.

So it’s not surprising when they respond. And they provide hope for the future, of society and the Church. When the graying baby boomers of the sixties and seventies finally shuffle of their morals-free mortal coils, the young will inherit the earth.

What happens at a World Youth Day?

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday

Morning Pilgrims arrivePilgrims continue to arrive

Afternoon Welcome and Opening Ceremony

Catechetical Session with participating bishops

Afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities, discussion forums, exhibitions, sightseeing, etc.

Catechetical Session with participating bishops

Afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities, discussion forums, exhibitions, sightseeing, etc.

Catechetical Session with participating bishops

Afternoon and evening shows, music, prayer opportunities, discussion forums, exhibitions, etc.

Pilgrimage to Vigil Site Reconciliation

Closing Liturgy w/ Holy Father

Pilgrims begin journey home

Evening Stations of the Cross Vigil Celebration & sleep over

World Youth Day is celebrated by the Church each year on Palm Sunday. Every two or three years Catholic young people from around the world gather to celebrate their love of Christ and the Church, as in Cologne this year. In the ‘off’ years it is hoped that these celebrations and gatherings will take place in parishes and dioceses. A common misunderstanding is that international World Youth Day gatherings are just one day. Rather, World Youth Day is a week-long event, culminating in an all night vigil.

Graphic:

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OVER 75% SOLD

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Mercy Village–Wembley will offer luxury apartments, villas and terraced villas in a safe, involving and superbly planned community, with its very own chapel.

To find out more about the limited opportunities available to become a part of this incomparably well located, premium–quality village, simply telephone Karen Bailey or Chris Gaggin now on 1800 144 313.

Or visit the Sales and Information Centre located at the Catherine McAuley Family Centre, at 18 Barrett Street, inWembley.

You’ll soon discover that we’ve taken care of absolutely everything.

Frank Allen, of St Thomas More Parish Bateman, proclaims the first reading. Photo: Phil Bayne

These youth have a vision

■ By Jamie O’Brien

Ayoung man sweats as he beats on the drums, listening to the sound of the 15 other youth clapping, sometimes synchronised, other times out of beat. Their feet criss-cross wildly as they move to the sound of the drums, singing a tune specific to their nationality.

Just metres away, a young woman holds her rosary beads as she prepares to enter what is possibly the most beautiful cathedral she has seen.

Sleeping bags, guitars, and flags form a stream of people aged, for the most part, anywhere from 13 to 35, in what has to be one of the biggest convergences of youth from every nationality at any one time in any country.

The scene is one that not many youth in generations past can say they have experienced, but the atmosphere in Cologne, Germany last week was one that will be remembered for many years to come.

There were millions of blue bags, orange bandanas, registration forms and water bottles.

Youth jubilantly swapped t-shirts, chanted support for their country and their new Pope, and embraced the company and support of youth they had never met before in search of a common ideal.

It was all part and parcel of the daily run of events for the Australians and many other young people from around the world who attended WYD.

I look out the window of my hotel as I write this, seven hours after the concluding Mass has finished. There are still streams of young people arriving from the WYD site, having walked no less than two and a half hours - still singing and chanting their national songs.

Even in Cologne, where temperatures were similar to a Perth winter, the pilgrims woke up and were no less determined than the night before.

Thomas More Spring School

Friday, September 2nd - Saturday, September 3rd, 2005

St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Centre 40 Franklin St, Leederville

“The Eucharist: The Victory of Life”

Friday September 2nd

7.30pm Richard Selwood “Reason, Faith and the Eucharist”

8.30pm Paul Kelly “The Eucharist: A matter of life or death”

Saturday September 3rd

9.30am Mass (Celebrant: Rev Fr Timothy Deeter)

10.45am Rev Fr Tim Deeter “The Eucharist and the life of heaven”

11.45am Clare Pike “Christ in the Eucharist: the mystery of vulnerability”

12.45pm Lunch

2 pm Richard Egan “The Eucharist and the culture of death: the victory of Christ’s Blood”

3 pm Sr Dr Miriam Duggan FMSA “Youth Alive: the contribution of the Catholic Church to fighting AIDS in Africa”

4.30 pm-5.30pm Question Box: Panel

7.00pm Thomas More Centre Dinner, Acacia Hotel, Robinson Ave, Northbridge

Address: Eve Sanchez Silver “Abortion and breast cancer: breaking the silence”

Keynote speakers: Sr Dr Miriam Duggan, Congregational Leader of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters has spent thirty years working in Uganda. When AIDS hit Uganda, she initiated the Youth Alive Movement, in a successful effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Eve Sanchez Silver is a medical research analyst and formerly, a member of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Hispanic/Latina Adviso ry Council. Eve Silver resigned from this Foundation when it was revealed they were donating large sums of money to Planned Parenthood, without regard to the growing evidence of a link between abortion and breast cancer.

The TMC Spring School runs from 7pm Friday, September 2nd-5:30 pm Saturday September 3rd at St Mary’s Parish Centre, 40 Franklin St Leederville.Cost: $20 (inc lunch) plus Thomas More Centre Dinner, 7pm, Saturday, September 3rd at Acacia Hotel, 15 Robinson Ave, Northbridge. Cost $35. After dinner address: Eve Silver “Abortion and breast cancer: breaking the silence”. Bookings essential by Thursday, September 1st. ENQUIRIES: Thomas More Centre (Tel 9321 2822)

John Pujajangka-Piyirn School is a remote Catholic Aboriginal school with a current enrolment of 44 students. The school has two primary classes and one secondary class and is located 320 km from Halls Creek. Significant upgrading of facilities has taken place in recent years.

The school is committed to the concept of Two Way Learning which respects and fosters the traditional A boriginal languages whilst providing instruction in Standard Australian English. The school and parish work closely together within the community to provide pastoral care to the children and their families.

Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies together with an appropriate four-year minimum tertiary qualification and will have completed Accreditation B or its equivalent.

A current Federal Police Clearance/100 Point Identification Check must also be included. The appropriate Police Clearance Consent Form is available from the Department of Education and Training website (www.eddept.wa.edu.au/ HRRecruitment/Downloads/PoliceClearance.pdf).

The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au.

Enquiries regarding the position should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Leadership Team on (08) 9212 9268 or email sch.personnel@ceo.wa.edu.au.

All applications, on the official form, should reach The Director, Catholic Education Office of WA, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 no later than Monday 5 September 2005.

A Brazilian youth celebrates with his drums outside the Cologne Cathedral during the WYD celebrations of Cologne on Thursday August 18.

Photo: Phil Bayne

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“It is important for us to come here because we are a minority in our own country. Experiencing the spirit of Catholic fellowship gives us strength and we can return to our own country to stand even stronger in our faith.”

- Hadewd Moawad, 24, Catholic from Syria.

For those who have experienced WYD or a similar pilgrimage more than once, the fact that they have repeated the experience is unarguably the best evidence that many young people of today will not be defeated in their quest for truth.

A truth that is simple to summarise: God exists in each one of their lives and they want to be witnesses to the power of his love and mercy.

I do not believe it is possible for a young person, at some stage in their life not to want this.

During a pilgrimage to Israel and Rome in 2000, at World Youth Day in Toronto 2002 and Cologne 2005 I have seen it.

For many youth, WYD Cologne was a living memory of John Paul II, or “Giovanni Paulo” as the chants went in past WYDs.

Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer - August

“For World Youth Day: may this occasion draw young people everywhere to meet Christ and to welcome Him as Lord of their life.”

Mission intention: “For students from mission Churches in Rome: may their studies in the Eternal City be a time of spiritual enrichment.”

But it was also a chance to support Benedict XVI, almost in defiance of the secular media’s determination to prove that young people are not interested in the Church, and to show that there is little possibility of this ever happening.

The unending new chants of “Benedetto” all through the night at Marienfield, where the overnight vigil and concluding Mass were held, was proof enough.

By coming to WYD, each one of the pilgrims allowed the Gospel of Sunday at WYD in Cologne to come alive in their life: ‘When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”

Just as the Virgin Mary said yes to the angel Gabriel to become the mother of Christ, not thinking about the suffering or persecution she could experience,

the young pilgrims at Cologne repeated this same mystery with their own yes to Benedict. WYD Cologne will be for a future Europe, which in recent times has very much denied God through ommitting reference to him in its Constitution, an example of what will increasingly be needed in times to come.

Having experienced pilgrimage from a young age, I can relate to the suffering and lack of courage many of the young people must face upon returning to their home country, particularly in Australia where the secular media seems to consistently believe that people don’t need God, or even that he doesn’t exist.

Nevertheless, I believe the youth here will return to their homes full of joy and courage, as I heard many of them say.

But there will also be a strong need for ongoing formation, formation in the sense of belonging to a community, to a fam-

ily, like the Holy Family of Nazareth, to ensure the possibility of spreading Christ’s word that he is alive. I hope that each one of the youth that experienced WYD in Cologne will see the need for this.

Even if, as a young person, you haven’t experienced a pilgrimage or a WYD, you are being called as much as anyone who was here to communicate to others the only possibility for lasting happinessJesus.

Meanwhile, it is now Australia’s turn to show to the world that life comes from God.

The 2500 youth who attended WYD in Cologne, plus the many thousands more who didn’t, all face this task.

It is a call that must be discerned with a sincere prayer to assist the development of the faith of Australia, which in comparison to the previous WYD hosts is very much a young country.

Crowds converged on the steps of the Cathedral of Cologne in preparation for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI on August 16.

Photo: Phil Bayne

Continued from page 4

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“It is important for us to come here because we are a minority in our own country. Experiencing the spirit of Catholic fellowship gives us strength and we can return to our own country to stand even stronger in our faith.”

- Hadewd Moawad, 24, Catholic from Syria.

For those who have experienced WYD or a similar pilgrimage more than once, the fact that they have repeated the experience is unarguably the best evidence that many young people of today will not be defeated in their quest for truth.

A truth that is simple to summarise: God exists in each one of their lives and they want to be witnesses to the power of his love and mercy.

I do not believe it is possible for a young person, at some stage in their life not to want this.

During a pilgrimage to Israel and Rome in 2000, at World Youth Day in Toronto 2002 and Cologne 2005 I have seen it.

For many youth, WYD Cologne was a living memory of John Paul II, or “Giovanni Paulo” as the chants went in past WYDs.

Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer - August

“For World Youth Day: may this occasion draw young people everywhere to meet Christ and to welcome Him as Lord of their life.”

Mission intention: “For students from mission Churches in Rome: may their studies in the Eternal City be a time of spiritual enrichment.”

But it was also a chance to support Benedict XVI, almost in defiance of the secular media’s determination to prove that young people are not interested in the Church, and to show that there is little possibility of this ever happening.

The unending new chants of “Benedetto” all through the night at Marienfield, where the overnight vigil and concluding Mass were held, was proof enough.

By coming to WYD, each one of the pilgrims allowed the Gospel of Sunday at WYD in Cologne to come alive in their life: ‘When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”

Just as the Virgin Mary said yes to the angel Gabriel to become the mother of Christ, not thinking about the suffering or persecution she could experience,

the young pilgrims at Cologne repeated this same mystery with their own yes to Benedict. WYD Cologne will be for a future Europe, which in recent times has very much denied God through ommitting reference to him in its Constitution, an example of what will increasingly be needed in times to come.

Having experienced pilgrimage from a young age, I can relate to the suffering and lack of courage many of the young people must face upon returning to their home country, particularly in Australia where the secular media seems to consistently believe that people don’t need God, or even that he doesn’t exist.

Nevertheless, I believe the youth here will return to their homes full of joy and courage, as I heard many of them say.

But there will also be a strong need for ongoing formation, formation in the sense of belonging to a community, to a fam-

ily, like the Holy Family of Nazareth, to ensure the possibility of spreading Christ’s word that he is alive. I hope that each one of the youth that experienced WYD in Cologne will see the need for this.

Even if, as a young person, you haven’t experienced a pilgrimage or a WYD, you are being called as much as anyone who was here to communicate to others the only possibility for lasting happinessJesus.

Meanwhile, it is now Australia’s turn to show to the world that life comes from God.

The 2500 youth who attended WYD in Cologne, plus the many thousands more who didn’t, all face this task.

It is a call that must be discerned with a sincere prayer to assist the development of the faith of Australia, which in comparison to the previous WYD hosts is very much a young country.

Crowds converged on the steps of the Cathedral of Cologne in preparation for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI on August 16.

Photo: Phil Bayne

Continued from page 4

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

Jamie’s Diary...

Thursday August 11

Left home to go to the airport just after 7.30pm. Was nervous and anxious about what was ahead of me but also excited for the experience and to see all my friends at the world youth day site.

Looking forward to the homily of Benedict XVI. I’m hoping that it will be the highlight of the pilgrimage, and that I can bring it back to Perth with me (the message).

Started taking photos.

Got harassed at customs as well. They made me take everything out of my day bag, which really annoyed me and then it took me another 15 minutes to put everything back and it was all out of order.

On the plane seated next to Ryan Italiano (teacher at Armadale Primary) and Fr Vinh Dong (Parish

Priest at Lockridge). I had a premonition earlier that day that I would get seated next to a priest.

Was nervous about who, what, why, where, when, how, the foundations of journalism.

My mind was going through my experiences from previous pilgrimages – 2000 in Israel and Rome, Toronto in 2002, and Adelaide (across the Nullarbor in 2004).

Taking into mind what Hugh Ryan said about observing. My mind was going into overload and I found myself observing the smallest of details. Most people seemed nervous as well. No one really knew each other, but as the plane took off, the conversations got going and we started to acquaint ourselves with one another.

Friday August 12

Arrived in Dubai at 5.30am. It was really quite warm (30 degrees) and I was dressed like I was in Antarctica. Slept quite well most of the flight. Was very tired. Started questioning WA teachers.

Got scrutinised again in Customs but it wasn’t as bad as when I left Perth. Went and had a look around the airport. There was a huge variety of nationalities there, it was amazing to see the mingling.

Was also feeling quite well despite the time difference. I was worried about feeling the same way I did when I went to Toronto. Bag was heavy but I think I’m getting used to it, which is weird.

Sat next to Michelle (Good Shepherd Parish Lockridge) and Catherine Calanni (CEO) and talked to them a lot. Also next to a little Indian girl who lived with her family in Canada.

Had first experience with being attacked for being Christian on the flight from Dubai to Frankfurt. Man questioned the quality of Pope Benedict XVI. Told him to respect

other religions just as I would respect his atheism.

1.30pm

Arrived in Frankfurt. 24 degrees and raining. Very humid.

Left airport just after 3pm for Schoenstatt and arrived about 5pm. Sr Mary Vernita is our guide.

Schoenstatt just had youth festival the past three days, so there were still many youth volunteers around, to help with WYD.

Separated into rooms – Mine with Craig, Daniel, Carlo and Ryan.

Brief meeting about what we will do the next day - it will be a very casual schedule.

Went for a walk to town with Paul and Craig.

Very small and very European. Buildings were all very close together. So many hills and very green. Heaps of photo opportunities.

Went, with Paul Bui, to Press Office which was about 15 minutes away. Met with CEO staff and teachers at Italian Pizzeria and talked till 10pm.

Record journalist Jamie O’Brien kept a diary of his pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Cologne. The final instalments will appear in next week’s Record.

Saturday August 13

Woke at 6am

- dressed and ready - went to Schoenstatt Press Office and sat outside to try to use internet. Didn’t work.

Breakfast (8.30-9.30)

Free time till 10am

- sat outside and talked with CEO group

Talk by Sr Vernita about Schoenstatt Shrine. It is identical to the shrine at Armadale in Perth.

The Virgin Mary offers pilgrims to the shrine three special graces: to feel at home at the shrine; to be transformed in the Christian life; and to go out as a missionary to share that life.

11am

Journey to original Schoenstatt

Shrine. Most people went inside to pray immediately. There was very much a sense of reverence and desire to meet with Christ through the Shrine.

Mass with WYD Direct group, celebrated by Fr Vihn Dong and Fr Joseph Tran.

The 1st Reading was about repenting for our rebellious ways against God and believing in the word of God.

The Gospel was about the story of the apostles denying the little children the opportunity to meet with Christ.

“The kingdom of heaven belongs to these.”

to be continued……

“World Youth Day focuses on spirituality, spiritual experience, prayer and the celebration of faith. Change, true change, has to begin in the heart of the individual.” - German President Horst Kohler welcoming Pope Benedict XVI

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

Aussie gathering a buzz

■ By Jamie O’Brien

More than 2000 Australian youth converged on the Exhibition Centre in Cologne last Tuesday August 16 as part of the festivities for World Youth Day 2005.

Catholic Youth Ministry Perth co-ordinator Lucas Hurley said the event was “a great buzz” and a hugely exciting experience.

“For many it was the first time they had seen so many other young Catholic Australians and were able to feel proud to not only be Catholic but to be Australian and Catholic,” he said. Mr Hurley said the occasion would empower the young people of Australia who attended to return to their country, which is relatively anti-Christian, and not be afraid or hesitate to be visibly Catholic.

The occasion was also filled with various Australian acts, including the sound of the aboriginal didgeridoo by Daniel Garlett from Perth.

Mr Hurley said one of the most inspiring moments was when all the youth were silent for ten minutes to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

During the event, Bishop Anthony Fisher presented an outline for WYD Sydney in 2008.

“He told us that the Archbishop of Sydney, together with the Australian Archbishops committee have presented to the Holy See their sincere desire to host WYD 2008.

“With that came the 100 per cent support of the Australian and New South Wales governments for financial and logistical assistance.”

The crowd of young people were then shown a DVD advertisement prepared to support the bid.

“It’s time to party!” - Shary Reeves (German Actress), speaking to 100,000 young people at the conclusion of the Opening Mass in Bonn

Above: Daryl Pranata, Christine Tanuadji, Jing-Man Wong, and Jing-Ping Wong, all of Holy Rosary Parish Nedlands, at the Australian Gathering for World Youth Day on August 16. Below: More than 2000 Australian young people celebrate at the Australian World Youth Day gathering in Cologne.

“We are here because we hope that by strengthening our own faith we can then return and tell others back home about Jesus.” - Bassan

Young people on banks of the Rhine give Pope rousing welcome to Germany

Pope calls young to be a Way

“Like yourselves, I too have set out to join you in kneeling before the consecrated white Host in which the eyes of faith recognise the real presence of the Savior of the world.”

Hundreds of thousands of young people gave Pope Benedict XVI a rousing welcome on the banks of the Rhine River, cheering as he urged them to discover the “liberating experience of the church.”

The Pope used his first World Youth Day encounter on August 18 to cast a wide spiritual invitation, asking youth - whether baptised or unbaptised, practicing or nonpracticing - to open their hearts to God.

“Let yourselves be surprised by Christ. Let him have the ‘right of free speech’ during these days,” the Pope said.

An estimated 300,000 youths lined the riverbanks, some standing waist-deep in the water. They applauded as the Pope passed by and waved the flags of many of the 193 nations represented at the gathering in Cologne, Germany.

The 78-year-old pontiff spoke from the prow of a tripledecker cruiser anchored in the Rhine. He was surrounded by 60 young people who rode with him 16 kilometres down the river, serenading him with spiritual songs and reading personal testimonials.

Smiling broadly in the sunshine, Pope Benedict waved to the riverside crowd repeatedly and seemed to bask in their enthusiasm. Behind him were five smaller boats full of other youths from several continents.

In his talk, delivered in five languages, including English, he spoke movingly about taking up the “extraordinary spiritual legacy” of Pope John Paul II, who founded World Youth Day in the 1980s.

“He loved you - you realized that and you returned his love with all your youthful enthusiasm. Now all of us together have to put his teaching into practice,” he said.

Pope Benedict made a point of reaching out to those who may have “lost the habit of praying” or “have not yet found a home” in the church.

“To all of you I appeal: Open wide your hearts to God!” he said. “Open the doors of your freedom to his merciful love! Share your joys and pains with Christ, and let him enlighten your minds with his light and touch your hearts with his grace.”

When searching for answers in life, he said, people often have to choose between a direction promoted by passions or by the light of conscience.

“Dear young people, the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy, has a name and a face: It is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity,” he said.

In an apparent reference to Asian participants in the youth gathering, the Pope offered a special greeting to visitors from the East. He said they represented “so many of our brothers and sisters who are waiting, without realising it, for the star to rise in their skies and lead them to Christ, light of the nations.”

Many of the young pilgrims on the shore listened in small groups with the help of translators. The spirit was lively and informal; some of the German youths wore Tshirts emblazoned with “Benedikt 16” or “Do it, Ratzi!” a reference to his name, Joseph Ratzinger.

Joey Lukinovich, a student at Jesuit High School in New Orleans, said as the Pope’s flotilla pulled away: “That was great, just the fact that we could see something as united

“I also greet with affection those among you who have not been baptized, and those of you who do not yet know Christ or have not yet found a home in his Church. Pope John Paul II had invited you in particular to come to this gathering; I thank you for deciding to come to Cologne.”

Nasrallah, 37 Catholic from Lebanon.

Left: Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims from a boat on the Rhine. Photo: CNS

Above: Leon Oriti, of Dianella, left, stands waving the Australian flag, next to Simon Liddell, of Sorrento, and Brad Ford, from the Catholic Education Office in the background. Photo: Phil Bayne

Below: Bernadette Forrester, 21 of Greenwood Parish, who is accompanying the Salvatorians during her trip to Cologne for World Youth Day in Cologne. Photo: Phil Bayne

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“Dear

Benedict urges young “to live and breathe” the Church’s universality

“... we are no longer looking for a king, but we ... are asking: “Where do I find standards to live by, what are the criteria that govern responsible cooperation in building the present and the future of our world? On whom can I rely? To whom shall I entrust myself? Where is the One who can offer me the response capable of satisfying my heart’s deepest desires?”

as this.” Peter Slawek, a young German from Herne, said he thought the most important thing the Pope said was “that he had come to kneel down with us” in front of the consecrated host.

Summing up the difference between Pope Benedict and his predecessor, Reinfried Rimmel, a German youth, said simply: “John Paul concentrated more on the relationship with the people. Benedict puts more weight on the message.”

The gathering on the Rhine did not feature the long sessions of bantering with the crowd that characterized many of Pope John Paul’s World Youth Day encounters. Instead, as the papal flotilla moved down the river, the Pope spent time speaking personally to most of the young people who rode with him.

Behind the Pope’s chair stood the World Youth Day cross, which had to be hastily repaired shortly before the pontiff’s arrival, after a gust of wind blew it over and broke off one of the cross arms.

The Pope disembarked in the city centre and led a procession of youths and church officials to the historic, double-spired cathedral. There, after greeting several disabled young people, he knelt in prayer before the tabernacle for a few minutes.

Then he venerated the relics of the Wise Men, passing under a reliquary in a pilgrimage practice that dates to medieval times. The moment underscored the theme of this year’s World Youth Day, “We Have Come to Worship Him,” which the Pope developed in a talk delivered to a crowd outside the cathedral.

Just as the Magi discovered Christ by following a star, he said, so people are drawn to the faith today from many

cultures. The World Youth Day gathering is emblematic of the Church in that way, he said.

“Today it is your task to live and breathe the Church’s universality. Let yourselves be inflamed by the fire of the Spirit, so that a new Pentecost will renew your hearts,” he said.

“John Paul expressed himself in gestures; this Pope gives great space to words. This will be a pontificate of concepts and of words...”

“Through you, may other young people everywhere come to recognise in Christ the true answer to their deepest aspirations,” he said. The Pope had a hard time beginning his talk because of the exuberance of the crowd. He laughed as a frustrated Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne tried to quiet the young people’s cheering and chanting.

When the Pope finished speaking, the cheering started again but died down when Church leaders quickly stood to recite a closing prayer.

Then the Pope rode in a glass-walled Popemobile through the crowded city centre, delighting the young people who had waited hours for a chance to see him.

Pope Benedict’s first day of his first foreign trip led Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls to draw a comparison.

“John Paul expressed himself in gestures; this Pope gives great space to words. This will be a pontificate of concepts and of words,” the spokesman said. - CNS

“Dear young people, the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: It is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity! With Mary, say your own “yes” to God, for he wishes to give himself to you.”

young people, the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy, has a name and a face: It is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity.” - Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict XVI arrives by boat along the Rhine river in Cologne for the World Youth Day celebrations. Thousands converged on the river banks to get a glimpse.

Photo: Phil Bayne

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

Now it’s official.

“It is important to follow a single star, ceaselessly and passionately. Jesus is the star...” - Cardinal Karl Lehmann.

So if roughly a million pilgrims are heading South in 2008...

Look out, Sydney...

■ By John Thavis

When Pope Benedict XVI announced that the next World Youth Day would be held in Sydney, Australia, in 2008, young people from the Sydney Archdiocese were ready.

Gathered in front of the papal altar in Cologne, they revealed undershirts telling fellow youths to “Come to Australia!” To drive the point home, they jumped up in unison after the Pope made his announcement on August 21.

The Pope’s selection of Sydney was an open secret for months, but now it is official, said Nathan Galea, a 25-yearold youth minister from Sydney.

“It was awesome. A huge cheer went up, and people are definitely excited about this. Of course, it’s also going to be a lot of work,” he said.

Cardinal George Pell of Sydney said Pope Benedict has told him he wants to travel to Sydney in 2008 “if providence permits.”

“I’m sure the Pope will come if his health holds up, and he’s travelling well now,” Cardinal Pell said in a phone interview after the closing World Youth Day Mass in Cologne.

“I’m not sure it’s absolutely essential (that the Pope be present), but it helps make it an enormously important event,” the cardinal said.

Cardinal Pell said he thought World Youth Day would have a big impact in Australia, well beyond Catholic circles. Australian society is “good, prosperous and decent,” he said, but not everyone understands the place of God in social life.

The Cardinal, too, said planning for the event would entail much hard work.

Galea said that talking to German planners of this year’s celebrations has convinced him that preparation for World Youth Day in Sydney would bring a closer sense of community to Catholics there and a deeper sense of spirituality.

“I’m sure young people in Australia will want to make this the best World Youth Day ever,” he said. - CNS

Approximately 20 teachers from Catholic schools in WA went on pilgrimage to WYD Cologne 2005, together with the CEO’s Phil Bayne and Brad Ford. The Record’s JAMIE O’BRIEN caught up with educators about their impressions of the biggest event in Church life.

Craig Gorddard

World Youth Day in Cologne was also the first time 23-year-old teacher Craig Gorddard has been overseas.

The design and technology teacher at St Luke’s College Karratha said he came to WYD looking for an awesome experience of the universality of the Catholic Church.

“It is amazing that you can have so many youth from so many different cultures worship in the same place,” he said.

“God knows the spiritual path of each one of us and what we need,

“If people are open then he will give them what they’re looking for, not with force,

“Many may not know what it is they are looking for,” Mr Gorddard said.

“I want to bring back hope that Christ has and is the answer to people’s yearning for truth,”

“I want to be able to pass this on.”

Way to go: Aussie youth, top, celebrate the announcment by Pope Benedict that the next WYD will be held in Sydney in 2008. Meanwhile, some Aussie pilgrims, below, were ready to offer directions on how to get there.

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“At a time when many people live in fear of terrorism and violence prompted by supposedly religious motives, it is good to experience faith and religion as a way to peace and compassion.” - German President Horst Kohler.

Winning WYD 2008 is what an indifferent society Down Under needs

Youth reps welcome pick

Kristy Keeler

Leschenault Catholic Primary School teacher Kristy Keeler said she hopes to grow from her experience during World Youth Day in Cologne through the witness of others who share in her experience.

24-year-old Kristy said the vision of young people is the vision of the future.

“This is what World Youth Day is all about.”

“I am looking to renew my faith experience,” Kristy said.

“It’s not often that I am able to have an experience like this.

“To be sharing in the moment with so many other young people in search of their faith.”

■ By Jamie O’Brien

For Nathan Galea and Sarah Taylor, their trip to Cologne for World Youth Day 2005 was not just a pilgrimage.

Nathan and Sarah were representatives of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and also part of the International Liturgy group of the World Youth Day celebrations in Cologne, Germany.

25-year-old Nathan, of Sydney, works with the Catholic Youth Services in the Sydney Archdiocese and is also a parish leader in Moorebank, Sydney.

“Coming together with youth from other countries for World Youth Day is such a powerful statement for the Church, and also globally,” Nathan said.

“The fact that so many youth from Australia are here is proof that Australian youth do want to experience a Catholic lifestyle and culture,” he said.

26-year-old Sarah, from the Adelaide Archdiocese, is National President of the Young Christian Workers.

“It is a privilege to be with so many other cultures,” Sarah said.

“This event is a statement that youth from Australia and around the world are not afraid to express what they believe.”

“It is a statement of international solidarity.”

Nathan said there is an underlying sentiment in Australia amongst youth that it is not cool to be Catholic.

But “in reality that sentiment or feeling is false.”

“When you come to an event like this you realise that it is a lie,” he said.

Australia is very much about individualism and consumerism, said Sarah, “and those are the barriers that need to be broken down in order for us to come to know God.”

Nathan and Sarah were nominated by their local Bishops, Cardinal George Pell and Archbishop Wilson, for their roles as representatives of the Australian Bishops’ Conference.

During the World Youth Day vigil and concluding Mass with Pope Benedict on August 20 and 21, Sarah was a candle bearer and Nathan was a representative of Oceania who carried up a piece of the WYD logo to present to Pope Benedict.

Nathan and Sarah were also on the same boat as Pope Benedict XVI that travelled along the Rhine River upon his arrival in Germany, together with youth from 71 nations.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Nathan said.

Brad Ford

As one of the youngest staff members employed at the Catholic Education Office, 25-year-old Brad Ford, an Information Technology Consultant is also in one of the most unique roles in comparison to his fellow Australian pilgrims.

Prior to applying to go to Cologne, Brad had never heard of World Youth Day, nor did he know what he would be doing during his experience.

Upon speaking to other staff at CEO, Brad realised he was looking for a balance between the ‘Sciences’ and finding his faith.

“For me to be effective in my job I need to be a scientific person,” said Brad.

“However, they are both conflicting goals,” said Brad.

In the end, Brad said he believed that coming to Cologne for World Youth Day 2005 would provide him the clarity in his faith development he was looking for.

See you in three years: Australian youth are already looking forward to Sydney WYD 2008 and want to return the friendship and hospitality that was extended to them in Cologne this year.

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“I am happy to be here with them, to confirm their faith and to enliven their hope. At the same time, I am sure that I will also receive something from them, especially from their enthusiasm, their sensitivity and their readiness to face the challenges of the future.” -

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“It is like finding ourselves at a crossroads; which direction do we take? The one prompted by the passions or the one indicated by the star which shines in your conscience?” - Pope Benedict XVI

In front of a million pilgrims at the vigil Mass of World Youth Day Benedict urges young to join “the true revolution” by following

The shining path of the Saints

“God’s ways are not as we imagine them or as we might wish them to be. God does not enter into competition with earthly powers in this world. He does not marshal his divisions alongside other divisions. God did not send twelve legions of angels to assist Jesus in the Garden of Olives (cf. Matthew 26:53). He contrasts the noisy and ostentatious power of this world with the defenceless power of love, which succumbs to death on the Cross, and dies ever anew throughout history.”

Dear young friends, In our pilgrimage with the mysterious Magi from the East, we have arrived at the moment which Saint Matthew describes in his Gospel with these words: “Going into the house (over which the star had halted), they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him” (Matthew 2:11). Outwardly, their journey was now over. They had reached their goal. But at this point a new journey began for them, an inner pilgrimage which changed their whole lives. Their mental picture of the infant King they were expecting to find must have been very different. They had stopped at Jerusalem specifically in order to ask the King who lived there for news of the promised King who had been born. They knew that the world was in disorder, and for that reason their hearts were troubled. They were sure that God existed and that he was a just and gentle God. And perhaps they also knew of the great prophecies of Israel foretelling a King who would be intimately united with God, a King who would restore order to the world, acting for God and in his name. It was in order to seek this King that they had set off on their journey: Deep within themselves they felt prompted to go in search of the true justice that can only come from God, and they wanted to serve this King, to fall prostrate at his feet and so play their part in the renewal of the world. They were among those “who hunger and thirst for justice” (Matthew 5:6). This hunger and thirst had spurred them on in their pilgrimage - they had become pilgrims in search of the justice that they expected from God, intending to devote themselves to its service.

Even if those who had stayed at home may have

considered them Utopian dreamers, they were actually people with their feet on the ground, and they knew that in order to change the world it is necessary to have power. Hence they were hardly likely to seek the promised child anywhere but in the King’s palace. Yet now they were bowing down before the child of poor people, and they soon came to realise that Herod, the King they had consulted, intended to use his power to lay a trap for him, forcing the family to flee into exile. The new King, to whom they now paid homage, was quite unlike what they were expecting. In this way they had to learn that God is not as we usually imagine him to be. This was where their inner journey began. It started at the very moment when they knelt down before this child and recognised him as the promised King. But they still had to assimilate these joyful gestures internally. They had to change their ideas about power, about God and about man, and in so doing, they also had to change themselves. Now they were able to see that God’s power is not like that of the powerful of this world. God’s ways are not as we imagine them or as we might wish to them to be. God does not enter into competition with earthly powers in this world. He does not marshal his divisions alongside other divisions. God did not send twelve legions of angels to assist Jesus in the Garden of Olives (cf. Matthew 26:53). He contrasts the noisy and ostentatious power of this world with the defenceless power of love, which succumbs to death on the Cross, and dies ever anew throughout history; yet it is this same love which constitutes the new divine intervention that opposes injustice and ushers in the Kingdom of God. God is different - this is what they now come to realise. And it means that they themselves must now become different, they must learn God’s ways. They had come to place themselves at the service of this King, to model their own kingship on his. That was the meaning of their act of homage, their adoration. Included in this were their gifts

- gold, frankincense and myrrh - gifts offered to a King held to be divine. Adoration has a content and it involves giving. Through this act of adoration, these men from the East wished to recognise the child as their King and to place their own power and potential at his disposal, and in this they were certainly on the right path. By serving and following him, they wanted, together with him, to serve the cause of good and the cause of justice in the world.

In this they were right. Now, though, they have to learn that this cannot be achieved simply through issuing commands from a throne on high. Now they have to learn to give themselves - no lesser gift would be sufficient for this King. Now they have to learn that their lives must be conformed to this divine way of exercising power, to God’s own way of being. They must become men of truth, of justice, of goodness, of forgiveness, of mercy. They will no longer ask: How can this serve me? Instead they will have to ask: How can I serve God’s presence in the world? They must learn to lose their life and in this way to find it. Having left Jerusalem behind, they must not deviate from the path marked out by the true King, as they follow Jesus.

Dear friends, what does all this mean for us? What we have just been saying about the nature of God being different, and about the way our lives must be shaped accordingly, sounds very fine, but remains rather vague and unfocussed. That is why God has given us examples. The Magi from the East are just the first in a long procession of men and women who have constantly tried to gaze upon God’s star in their lives, going in search of the God who has drawn close to us and shows us the way. It is the great multitude of the saints - both known and unknown - in whose lives the Lord has opened up the Gospel before us and turned over the pages; he has done this throughout history and he still does so today. In their lives, as if in a great picturebook, the riches of the Gospel are revealed. They

are the shining path which God himself has traced throughout history and is still tracing today.

My venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II beatified and canonised a great many people from both the distant and the recent past. Through these individuals he wanted to show us how to be Christian; how to live life as it should be livedaccording to God’s way. The saints and the blessed did not doggedly seek their own happiness, but simply wanted to give themselves, because the light of Christ had shone upon them. They show us the way to attain happiness, they show us how to be truly human. Through all the ups and downs of history, they were the true reformers who constantly rescued it from plunging into the valley of darkness; it was they who constantly shed upon it the light that was needed to make sense - even in the midst of suffering - of God’s words spoken at the end of the work of creation: “It is very good.”

One need only think of such figures as Saint Benedict, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Charles Borromeo, the founders of 19th-century religious orders who inspired and guided the social movement, or the saints of our own day - Maximilian Kolbe, Edith Stein, Mother Teresa, Padre Pio. In contemplating these figures we learn what it means “to adore” and what it means to live according to the measure of the child of Bethlehem, by the measure of Jesus Christ and of God himself. The saints, as we said, are the true reformers.

Now I want to express this in an even more radical way: Only from the saints, only from God does true revolution come, the definitive way to change the world. In the last century we experienced revolutions with a common program - expecting nothing more from God, they assumed total responsibility for the cause of the world in order to change it. And this, as we saw, meant that a human and partial point of view was always taken as an absolute guiding principle. Absolutising what is not absolute but relative is called totalitarianism.

It does not liberate man, but takes away his dignity and enslaves him. It is not ideologies that save the world, but only a return to the living God, our Creator, the guarantor of our freedom, the guarantor of what is really good and true. True revolution consists in simply turning to God who is the measure of what is right and who at the same time is everlasting love. And what could ever save us apart from love?

“It is not ideologies that save the world, but only a return to the living God, our Creator, the guarantor of our freedom, the guarantor of what is really good and true. True revolution consists in simply turning to God who is the measure of what is right and who at the same time is everlasting love.”

Dear friends! Allow me to add just two brief thoughts. There are many who speak of God; some even preach hatred and perpetrate violence in God’s name. So it is important to discover the true face of God. The Magi from the East found it, when they knelt down before the child of Bethlehem. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” said Jesus to Philip (John 14:9). In Jesus Christ, who allowed his heart to be pierced for us, the true face of God is seen. We will follow him together with the great multitude of those who went before us. Then we will be travelling along the right path. This means that we are not constructing a private God, a private Jesus, but that we believe and worship the Jesus who is manifested to us by the sacred Scriptures and who reveals himself to be alive in the great procession of the faithful called the Church, always alongside us and always before us. There is much that could be criticized in the Church. We know this and the Lord himself told

us so: It is a net with good fish and bad fish, a field with wheat and darnel. Pope John Paul II, as well as revealing the true face of the Church in the many saints that he canonized, also asked pardon for the wrong that was done in the course of history through the words and deeds of members of the Church. In this way he showed us our own true image and urged us to take our place, with all our faults and weaknesses, in the procession of the saints that began with the Magi from the East.

It is actually consoling to realise that there is darnel in the Church. In this way, despite all our defects, we can still hope to be counted among the disciples of Jesus, who came to call sinners. The Church is like a human family, but at the same time it is also the great family of God, through which he establishes an overarching communion and unity that embraces every continent, culture and nation. So we are glad to belong to this great family; we are glad to have brothers and friends all over the world. Here in Cologne we discover the joy of belonging to a family as vast as the world, including heaven and earth, the past, the present, the future and every part of the earth. In this great band of pilgrims we walk side by side with Christ, we walk with the star that enlightens our history.

“Going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him” (Matthew 2:11). Dear friends, this is not a distant story that took place long ago. It is with us now. Here in the sacred Host he is present before us and in our midst. As at that time, so now he is mysteriously veiled in a sacred silence; as at that time, it is here that the true face of God is revealed. For us he became a grain of wheat that falls on the ground and dies and bears fruit until the end of the world (cf. John 12:24). He is present now as he was then in Bethlehem. He invites us to that inner pilgrimage which is called adoration. Let us set off on this pilgrimage of the spirit and let us ask him to be our guide. Amen.

Translation distributed by the Vatican press office

“There are many who speak of God; some even preach hatred and perpetrate violence in God’s name. So it is important to discover the true face of God.

The Magi from the East found it, when they knelt down before the child of Bethlehem. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” said Jesus to Philip (John 14:9). In Jesus Christ, who allowed his heart to be pierced for us, the true face of God is seen.”

Pope Benedict XVI

A sea of candles: Pope Benedict XVI speaks to young people at the evening vigil last Saturday night. Photo: Guido Karl Happy to be part of it all: Sisters Rachel and Carmen Davey of Esperance.

Photo: Jamie O’Brien Shared faith: young El Salvadorean women enjoy the atmosphere of the vigil.

Photo: David Boucherie

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“It is not, like some would have us believe, a few days of prayer that come and go. World Youth Day creates new disciples.” - Cardinal Francis E. George.

Sacrament of Reconciliation helps make WYD a total Christian experience

650 priests on standby for Confession

From 9am to midnight, Wednesday to Friday of last week, 650 confessors were available on rotation to young people attending World Youth Day. At all times, at least 100 priests were present at the Centre of Reconciliation to minister to penitents. The sacrament was available in dozens of languages.

28-year-old Pre-primary teacher at Star of the Sea Rockingham said she is hoping to come away from her experience of World Youth Day in Cologne with a renewed sense of belonging to a community of faithful.

“I hope I can be inspired by the witness of others,” she said.

Mrs Garrett also said she hopes to feel part of a united front of a common goal so that people outside the Church can see that faith is important.

“I hope to be able to show my students that the Church is important.

“That you can be a Catholic in real life and not just a Catholic on paper.”

The Head of the Primary at Kearnan College Manjimup said he felt specially called to come to World Youth Day Cologne 2005.

31-year-old Carlo said he believes the World Youth Day will be particularly helpful to his life, “and will hopefully develop my faith taking into consideration the experiences of my life in particular.”

Carlo is also pleased for the experience of making a new network of Catholic friends, “people who are searching for the meaning of life through their faith experiences,” he said.

Carlo said that having a spiritual experience in a different country, on such a massive scale, with people from so many nationalities and backgrounds is very welcoming.

“It had put my faith into perspective.”

Carlo Pardini

Kristina Garrett

The buildings being used as the Centre for Reconciliation were of particular historical importance. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II, Polish war prisoners and forced labourers were held in the buildings.

- WYD Press

A pilgrim receives absolution during confession at World Youth Day.

Photo: CNS

Above: Caroline Watson receives a special blessing from Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton before leaving to go on a boat as a representative of Oceania. The boat travelled along the Rhine River behind Pope Benedict XVI’s boat on Thursday August 18.

Right: Fr Don Kettle reflects while waiting for youth for confession before Mass with the 90 pilgrims from the Diocese of Perth.

Photos: Phil Bayne

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“Many of the youths come from nations that are at war with each other. When they met here on the streets in prayer, they shook hands and said: Let’s see if we can do it better than our parents and pray together instead of making war on each other.” - Fr Klaus Hofstetter.

WYD started in an abandoned church that had become a fishmarket

In the beginning...

Ryan Italiano

Year 4/5 teacher Ryan Italiano said he is hoping for a new faith experience with people with common interests during his journey to Cologne for World Youth Day 2005.

“To gain a greater understanding of people, the faith experience of their life and perhaps what it is like to be Christian in other countries.”

26-year-old Ryan said he also hopes to gain a greater respect for the Church and what it says in relation to his life as a young man trying to live out the Christian lifestyle.

Ryan is involved with the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale, Perth, and said coming to the Shrine in Schoenstatt Germany has been a privilege.

“I am looking forward to helping other young people, in particular my students,” he said.

■ By Catherine Smibert

Everything has a moment of conception - a place and a time when it all began. This is valid for the World Youth Days too, and Rome was where it began. Specifically, it was the Centro San Lorenzo/International Youth Centre in Rome and was one of Pope John Paul II’s first big steps at renewing the faith of the young.

As his pontificate started, he was concerned about the dwindling numbers of young people active in the Church.

That’s when he went on a search to give youth a place - it could become the Vatican Youth Centre - and he managed to find one practically in front of St Peter’s Square.

It was the old Church of St Lawrence “in Piscibus” (at the Fish Market) that had been forgotten due to the modern palazzi blocks which had been built around it.

With fourth-century foundations, the stunning church we see today was reconstructed in the 12th century following the Crusades. Its alternating interior columns still have little crosses carved into them as symbols of the “conquest over paganism.”

The church had gone through a lot of hardships by the time John Paul II came upon it - from being de-consecrated and turned into an artist’s studio, to becoming a home to Rome’s fish markets at one time.

Yet, the Pope saw potential in this lovely building that had almost been left to ruin, just as he saw potential in the youth of the day. He reconsecrated it in a special youth Mass in March 1983.

During this Mass - photos of which still hang on the walls of the church - John Paul II expressed his desire that the church, its basement and courtyard become “a hothouse of faith-filled evangelisation … a breeding ground for mission.”

During this time there was a rise in the newer communities, many of them based on the Charismatic Renewal. They were attracted to the Pope’s enthusiasm and decided to respond to his invitation by pooling their resources.

Ever since then, the Centro, as its affectionately known, has offered the youth of the world a place to come and ask questions when visiting the Eternal City.

They then have an opportunity to partake in daily sacraments - reconciliation, Mass, etc. - in a variety of languages, and a holy hour at 5 pm every weekday.

Over the years many youth have also taken the chance to kneel at the foot of the original cross, given to young people by the Pope in 1984, which stays here when not travelling around the world. The centre, overseen by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, welcomes pilgrimage groups. More information is available via phone (39-06698-85332) or fax (39-06-698-85095).

- Zenit

Editor: Calling from Australia the contact numbers should be preceded by the international dialling prefix of 0011 or 0018.

Kylie Czabotar

Year 1 teacher at Star of the Sea Primary Rockingham, Kylie Czabotar, 26 admits she didn’t know the reason why she decided to come to World Youth Day.

However, Miss Czabotar said she is hoping to raise her level of faith.

“I felt called to be here,” she said.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”

Miss Czabotar said she was also encouraged by the fact that she was supported by her school and the Catholic community.

“By growing from this experience, I hope that it will show in my personality and actions, so that I can be witness.”

Jigsaw: A giant poster of John Paul II hangs outside Cologne Cathedral. It consists of hundreds of thousands of of smaller pictures emailed to WYD organisers from individuals who felt they had been profoundly affected by previous WYDs.

Photo: CNS

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“In these days I encourage you to commit yourselves without reserve to serving Christ, whatever the cost. The encounter with Jesus Christ will allow you to experience in your hearts the joy of his living and life-giving presence, and enable you to bear witness to it before others.” - Pope Benedict XVI

Unable to be there, Iraq’s plucky Christian youth were still present in spirit

World Youth Day is an event

Cordelia Nicholas has never experienced.

Ms Nicholas said she was excited by her journey to Turkey and Greece prior to arriving in Germany for World Youth Day.

The Year 2 teacher at Mary McKillop Catholic Primary in Ballajura said she had received enormous encouragement by watching the young people’s enthusiasm, which she believes would develop their faith.

“As a teacher this experience so far has brought the scripture to life for me as a person which I hope to share with my students,” she said.

“Being with other teachers has been fantastic and very important for my own development as a teacher.”

Iraqi youth gather

■ By John Thavis

More than 1,000 Christian young people assembled in a church in Baghdad, Iraq, to join in spirit with World Youth Day festivities in Germany.

Unable to make the journey from Iraq to Cologne, they sent a message to Pope Benedict XVI on August 19 saying they were gathering for their own day of “prayer, reflection and joyous celebration” in the city’s Latinrite cathedral.

The Vatican, which published the youths’ text, said the Pope had received their message with “joy and emotion.”

The Iraqi youths said they wanted to come together in order “to meet the Lord and to ask ourselves what he wants of

Catherine Calanni

After being approached by her principal, 24-year-old Catherine Calanni, a teacher from St Mary’s Primary Northampton [near Geraldton] thought the idea of coming to Cologne for World Youth Day 2005 was a great idea.

“I had heard of World Youth Day but never really thought that I would ever go,” she said.

Catherine said she is looking forward to meeting many other young people who are interested in growing in their faith.

She is also going to Fatima, Portugal after the World Youth Day on August 21 and 22 but is not sure what to expect.

“Hopefully I will gain an understanding of the differences of what it is to be Christian in other countries.”

us in this difficult moment for our country and for us.”

They asked the Pope’s blessing for them and for their efforts to celebrate World Youth Day in their homeland.

World Youth Day organisers said about 30 Iraqi Christians had obtained visas and made the trip to Cologne, where the Pope was meeting with several hundred thousand youths from 193 countries. The Iraqis kept a low profile in the city and were not featured in the World Youth Day program.

According to AsiaNews, a missionary news agency based in Rome, some 400 Chaldean Catholic young people in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul also met for a youth day service on August 19. Only a few of the city’s youth were able to make the trip to Germany. - CNS

Monica Caputi

Year 6 teacher at Orana Catholic Primary Monica Caputi, 26 said that by coming to World Youth Day in Cologne, she is looking for a further development in her faith journey.

“Faith is a whole life journey, that makes me happy, so I wanted to explore that further.”

Miss Caputi said she is very interested in seeing the international side of being Catholic.

“Drawing a little bit from everyone to grow in my own faith journey,” she said.

Miss Caputi was also part of the pilgrim group that went to Greece and Turkey prior to arriving in Germany for WYD.

“I will appreciate being able to say ‘I’ve been there’ when we listen to scripture, especially when teaching my students,” she said.

Cordelia Nicholas

From all corners of the globe: this crowd shot, above, and aerial shot below give some idea of how big an event WYD really is. Sydney can expect something similar.

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“Let

There is a mystery waiting to be discovered in every tabernacle

Jesus waits in the Eucharist

Dear young friends, yesterday evening we came together in the presence of the Sacred Host, in which Jesus becomes for us the bread that sustains and feeds us (cf. John 6:35), and there we began our inner journey of adoration. In the Eucharist, adoration must become union. At the celebration of the Eucharist, we find ourselves in the “hour” of Jesus, to use the language of John’s Gospel. Through the Eucharist this “hour” of Jesus becomes our own hour, his presence in our midst. Together with the disciples he celebrated the Passover of Israel, the memorial of God’s liberating action that led Israel from slavery to freedom. Jesus follows the rites of Israel. He recites over the bread the prayer of praise and blessing.

But then something new happens. He thanks God not only for the great works of the past; he thanks him for his own exaltation, soon to be accomplished through the Cross and Resurrection, and he speaks to the disciples in words that sum up the whole of the Law and the Prophets: “This is my Body, given in sacrifice for you. This cup is the New Covenant in my Blood.” He then distributes the bread and the cup, and instructs them to repeat his words and actions of that moment over and over again in his memory.

What is happening? How can Jesus distribute his Body and his Blood? By making the bread into his Body and the wine into his Blood, he anticipates his death, he accepts it in his heart and he transforms it into an action of love. What on the outside is simply brutal violence,

from within becomes an act of total self-giving love. This is the substantial transformation which was accomplished at the Last Supper and was destined to set in motion a series of transformations leading ultimately to the transformation of the world when God will be all in all (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:28). In their hearts, people always and everywhere have somehow expected a change, a transformation of the world. Here now is the central act of transformation that alone can truly renew the world: Violence is transformed into love, and death into life.

Freedom is not simply about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness, so that we ourselves can become true and good.

Since this act transmutes death into love, death as such is already conquered from within, the Resurrection is already present in it. Death is, so to speak, mortally wounded, so that it can no longer have the last word. To use an image well known to us today, this is like inducing nuclear fission in the very heart of being - the victory of love over hatred, the victory of love over death. Only this intimate explosion of good conquering evil can then trigger off the series of transformations that little by little will change the world. All other changes remain superficial and cannot save. For this reason we speak of redemption: What had to happen at the most intimate level has indeed happened,

and we can enter into its dynamic. Jesus can distribute his Body, because he truly gives himself.

This first fundamental transformation of violence into love, of death into life, brings other changes in its wake. Bread and wine becomes his Body and Blood. But it must not stop there, on the contrary, the process of transformation must now gather momentum. The Body and Blood of Christ are given to us so that we ourselves will be transformed in our turn. We are to become the Body of Christ, his own flesh and blood. We all eat the one bread, and this means that we ourselves become one. In this way, adoration, as we said earlier, becomes union. God no longer simply stands before us, as the one who is totally Other. He is within us, and we are in him. His dynamic enters into us and then seeks to spread outwards to others until it fills the world, so that his love can truly become the dominant measure of the world.

I like to illustrate this new step urged upon us by the Last Supper by drawing out the different nuances of the word “adoration” in Greek and in Latin. The Greek word is “proskynesis.” It refers to the gesture of submission, the recognition of God as our true measure, supplying the norm that we choose to follow. It means that freedom is not simply about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness, so that we ourselves can become true and good. This gesture is necessary even if initially our yearning for freedom makes us inclined to resist it. We can only fully accept it when we take the second step that the Last Supper proposes to us. The Latin word for adoration is “adoratio” - mouth-to-mouth contact, a kiss, an embrace, and hence ulti-

mately love. Submission becomes union, because he to whom we submit is Love. In this way submission acquires a meaning, because it does not impose anything on us from the outside, but liberates us deep within.

Let us return once more to the Last Supper. The new element to emerge here was the deeper meaning given to Israel’s ancient prayer of blessing, which from that point on became the word of transformation, enabling us to participate in the “hour” of Christ. Jesus did not instruct us to repeat the Passover meal, which in any event, given that it is an anniversary, is not repeatable at will. He instructed us to enter into his “hour.” We enter into it through the sacred power of the words of consecration - a transformation brought about through the prayer of praise which places us in continuity with Israel and the whole of salvation history, and at the same time ushers in the new, to which the older prayer at its deepest level was pointing. The new prayer - which the Church calls the “Eucharistic Prayer” - brings the Eucharist into being. It is the word of power which transforms the gifts of the earth in an entirely new way into God’s gift of himself and it draws us into this process of transformation. That is why we call this action “Eucharist,” which is a translation of the Hebrew word “beracha” - thanksgiving, praise, blessing, and a transformation worked by the Lord - the presence of his “hour.”

Jesus’ hour is the hour in which love triumphs. In other words: it is God who has triumphed, because he is Love. Jesus’ hour seeks to become our own hour and will indeed become so if we allow ourselves, through the celebration of the Eucharist, to be drawn into that

“On Easter morning, first the women and then the disciples had the grace of seeing the Lord. From that moment on, they knew that the first day of the week, Sunday, would be his day, the day of Christ the Lord.

The day when creation began became the day when creation was renewed. Creation and redemption belong together. That is why Sunday is so important. It is good that today, in many cultures, Sunday is a free day, and is often combined with Saturday so as to constitute a “weekend” of free time. Yet this free time is empty if God is not present.”

The morning after: teachers and staff from the Catholic Education Office at Marienfield on Sunday, August 21 after the closing Mass, plus one Jamie O’Brien (centre front). Photo: Jamie O’Brien

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

process of transformation that the Lord intends to bring about. The Eucharist must become the centre of our lives. If the Church tells us that the Eucharist is an essential part of Sunday, this is no mere positivism or thirst for power. On Easter morning, first the women and then the disciples had the grace of seeing the Lord. From that moment on, they knew that the first day of the week, Sunday, would be his day, the day of Christ the Lord. The day when creation began, the day when creation was renewed. Creation and redemption belong together. That is why Sunday is so important. It is good that today, in many cultures, Sunday is a free day, and is often combined with Saturday so as to constitute a “weekend” of free time. Yet this free time is empty if God is not present.

Dear friends!

Sometimes, our initial impression is that having to include time for Mass on a Sunday is rather inconvenient. But if you make the effort, you will realize that this is what gives a proper focus to your free time. Do not be deterred from taking part in Sunday Mass, and help others to discover it too. This is because the Eucharist releases the joy that we need so much, and we must learn to grasp it ever more deeply, we must learn to love it. Let us pledge ourselves to do this - it is worth the effort! Let us discover the intimate riches of the Church’s liturgy and its true greatness: It is not we who are celebrating for ourselves, but it is the living God himself who is preparing a banquet for us. Through your love for the Eucharist you will also rediscover the sacrament of Reconciliation, in which the merciful goodness of God always allows us to make a fresh start in our lives.

Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on. In vast areas of the world today there is a strange forgetfulness of God. It seems as if everything would be just the same even without him. But at the same time there is a feeling of frustration, a sense of dissatisfaction with everyone and everything. People tend to exclaim: “This cannot be what life is about!” Indeed not. And so, together with forgetfulness of God there is a kind of new explosion of religion. I have no wish to discredit all the manifestations of this phenomenon. There may be sincere joy in the discovery. Yet if it is pushed too far, religion becomes almost a consumer product. People choose what they like, and some are even able to make a profit from it. But religion constructed on a “doit-yourself” basis cannot ultimately help us. It may be comfortable, but at times of crisis we are left to ourselves. Help people to discover the true star which points out the way to us: Jesus Christ! Let us seek to know him better and better, so as to be able to guide others to him with conviction.

This is why love for sacred Scripture is so important, and in consequence, it is important to know the faith of the Church which opens up for us the meaning of Scripture. It is the Holy Spirit who guides the Church as her faith grows, causing her to enter ever more deeply into the truth (cf. John 16:13). Pope John Paul II gave us a wonderful work in which the faith of centuries is explained synthetically: the Catechism of the Catholic

Church. I myself recently presented the Compendium of the Catechism, prepared at the request of the late Holy Father. These are two fundamental texts which I recommend to all of you.

Obviously books alone are not enough. Form communities based on faith! In recent decades movements and communities have come to birth in which the power of the Gospel is keenly felt. Seek communion in faith, like fellow travellers who continue together to follow the path of the great pilgrimage that the Magi from the East first pointed out to us. The spontaneity of new communities is important, but it is also important to preserve communion with the Pope and with the bishops. It is they who guarantee that we are not seeking private paths, but are living as God’s great family, founded by the Lord through the Twelve Apostles.

“Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on. In vast areas of the world today there is a strange forgetfulness of God. It seems as if everything would be just the same even without him. But at the same time there is a feeling of frustration, a sense of dissatisfaction with everyone and everything.”

Once again, I must return to the Eucharist. “Because there is one bread, we, though many, are one body,” says St. Paul (1 Corinthians 10:17). By this he meant: Since we receive the same Lord and he gathers us together and draws us into himself, we ourselves are one. This must be evident in our lives. It must be seen in our capacity to forgive. It must be seen in our sensitivity to the needs of others. It must be seen in our willingness to share. It must be seen in our commitment to our neighbours, both those close at hand and those physically far away, whom we nevertheless consider to be close. Today there are many forms of voluntary assistance, models of mutual service, of which our society has urgent need. We must not, for example, abandon the elderly to their solitude, we must not pass by when we meet people who are suffering. If we think and live according to our communion with Christ, then our eyes will be opened.

Then we will no longer be content to scrape a living just for ourselves, but we will see where and how we are needed. Living and acting thus, we will soon realize that it is much better to be useful and at the disposal of others than to be concerned only with the comforts that are offered to us. I know that you as young people have great aspirations, that you want to pledge yourselves to build a better world. Let others see this, let the world see it, since this is exactly the witness that the world expects from the disciples of Jesus Christ; in this way, and through your love above all, the world will be able to discover the star that we follow as believers.

Let us go forward with Christ and let us live our lives as true worshippers of God! Amen. Translation of text issued by the Vatican press office

“Today it is your task to live and breathe the Church’s universality. Let yourselves be inflamed by the fire of the Spirit, so that a new Pentecost will renew your hearts.” - Pope Benedict XVI

An Australian pilgrim plays and meditates in the early morning light at Marienfeld.

Pilgrims made use of each others shoulders to get a glimpse of Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival at the Marienfield.

Photo: Jamie O’Brien

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

Cologne’s opening to WYD ‘05 had a special atmosphere all of its own

Cologne party a global affair

Afew young pilgrims with both feet on the ground, a few more on their shoulders, and the French flag at the very top: perhaps this spontaneous human pyramid in the midst of the crowd at the Welcome Festival in the RheinEnergie Stadium on August 16 wasn’t quite ready to perform in a circus.

But it did express the mood that reigned among the approximately 60,000 young festival guests inside and around 150,000 more outside. They had to take their enthusiasm somewhere – in this case, up.

Youth’s enthusiasm, energy and radiance were all part of the atmosphere on this first day of the great celebration of faith in Cologne. Hopping and skipping, dancing and singing, cheering and waving young people cavorted in front of the stage for hours.

At the beginning of the program, the Roten Funken and Höppemötzcher rock bands swept their guests into an atmosphere of Carnivale in Cologne. Young Americans and Koreans, Africans and Europeans were soon swaying in each others’ arms. Later in the evening, the drum group Batucada Gigante led the crowd to the edge of ecstasy in a matter of minutes. And when the air rang with oriental sounds produced by Iranian singer Mehrdad Hedayati along with the Cologne group Schäl Sick Brass

Band, there were more belly dancers below the stage than there were performing on it. Up on the press stand, the WDR television station prepared two reports. How a single word the reporters said could be heard over the airwaves – considering the noise level surrounding the camera – was a mystery.

Yet there were occasional interludes in which softer sounds were heard. A melodious African song dedicated to Nelson Mandela slowed the young dancers’ rhythm somewhat. Even the approximately 100 flags of various nations – which had jerked in staccato to a rap by the German-Nigerian singer Ade Odukoya in the now black night sky – now waved gently and contemplatively over the heads of the tireless revellers.

The evening finally came to an end around 10.30 pm with a prayer for peace. Just before this, the Bläck Föös takes the stage one last time. As they performed their song about the city of Cologne, “Du bist die Stadt”, the first cigarette lighters began to glow. Cologne’s volunteer helpers for WYD sang the text loud and clear from the depths of their hearts, rocking the other young people along in their midst. The Caledonian Pipeband joined in and played along on their bagpipes. At that moment, one had the feeling: ‘Tonight, we’re all from Cologne.’

- WYD Press

“Don’t shrink Jesus down to your size, but let Him elevate you to His, for he will lead you to a truth beyond your imagining.” - Cardinal Francis E. George.

In the mood: revellers celebrate the commencement of WYD in front of Cologne’s Cathedral early in the evening. The atmosphere throughout the week alternated between pilgrimage and party. Meanwhile, stilt artists belonging to a troupe called “Zebra” perform among a group of volunteers during the Welcome-Festival in the Old Town of Cologne.

Ready to go: Western Australians Teresa Van Schaijik and Verity Smith arrive at Frankfurt airport for the World Youth Day celebrations.

Photo: Phil Bayne

WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“We have not come here on our own accord. When the late Pope John Paul II made his invitation, the Holy Spirit was working in the background.”

Cardinal Karl Lehmann

-

Three cities held opening ceremonies. In Dusseldorf, youth were urged to...

‘Follow the star to Him’

When the colourful flags wave, they herald the official beginning of World Youth Day. Young people carrying flags from every participating country marched into the LTU-Arena late on Tuesday August 16. So began the opening Mass with Cardinal Karl Lehmann at the Düsseldorf Stadium, parallel to the ceremony in Cologne.

The chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference welcomed 51,000 pilgrims (another 20,000 were turned away for lack of space) as “dear young friends from all over the world”.

“We have not just come here of our own accord. When the late Pope John Paul II made his invitation, the Holy Trinity was working in the background,” Lehmann pointed out to the pilgrims in his

introduction. Celebrating the Mass along with Lehmann were the archbishops of Havana (Cuba), Bombay (India), Melbourne (Australia) and Madagascar. The Cardinal explained the reasons why so many young people

had made the journey to Cologne: “People want to learn about the world and about other circumstances. Maybe, in another country, you can also discover other ways of living and other experiences that may help you further in your own life.”

Curiosity certainly also plays a role, said Cardinal Lehmann. “By the way, the situation was certainly similar in the pilgrimages of the last centuries and millennia as well.”

Nevertheless, he said, there is a more important reason for people to make a journey: the “call of God”. We can recognise this, the Cardinal said, by the fact that “he pulls us out of the masses, where we would be able to stay hidden.”

In other words, God frequently calls us to follow an uncomfortable path. Anyone who follows it, he

said, should not “simply be pursuing his or her own private edification or individual spiritual longings”.

The call of God “always places us in a particular location. This is illustrated in many of the Biblical stories of vocation,” Lehmann explained, citing Samuel, Peter and the Magi as examples.

“What is important is to follow a single star, ceaselessly and passionately. Jesus is the star of our lives, the morning star and the evening star, at the beginning and at the end. Let us also go with this star today and tomorrow, with our many sisters and brothers, to Cologne – and from there on, transformed, joyful and courageous, back to our homelands.”

At the Offertory, young people brought a wide variety of symbols to the altar. Among these were beer

“as a symbol of the fruits of the fields, which serves the people as food and brings them happiness at celebrations” A jester’s hat was intended to symbolise the joie de vivre of the Rhineland. Roses were offered as a non-material symbol for time and devotion to God. A short time later, the visitors to the arena saw stars. Many of them had brought the symbols with them – as if they had planned it in advance – and now exchanged them in a greeting of peace.

“I wish you great joy and great peace in the coming days here,” Cardinal Lehmann told the pilgrims in his closing benediction, as he sent them along on their path. And that path led seamlessly into the huge opening party at Dusseldorf’s LTU-Arena.

- WYD Press

Cardinal Karl Lehmann

On the journey: WA pilgrim Joanna Lawson reflects in front of a shrine at Schoenstatt during the leadup to WYD celebrations in Cologne. Lockridge Parish Priest Fr Vinh Dong distributes communion at the Sunday concluding Mass. Youth from the archdiocese of Perth reflect during Mass at Schoenstatt, Germany, for the Feast of the Assumption, on Monday August 15. The pilgrims departed Schoenstatt by bus for Cologne later that morning.

Photos: Phil Bayne and Jamie O’Brien

WA youth can still join in WYD ‘05 - Cologne

“How many of you have been able to rediscover at the World Youth Days how beautiful and fascinating it is to be children of the Church!”

- Archbishop Stanislaw Rilko

Even though most young Western Australians couldn’t make it to World Youth Day, an opportunity to unite themselves with its goals is coming.

When Benedict XVI was elected Pope in April his first words to the assembled crowds included a commendation of his papacy to the protection of Mary.

Meanwhile at WYD Cologne he urged young people from all over the world to say ‘Yes’ to God as Mary did.

The figure of the young Jewish maiden who became the mother of God loomed large in the papacy of Benedict’s predecessor, John Paul II, and continues to do so in Benedict’s.

Here in WA a special 48-hour event described as a spiritual bouquet to Mary on the day celebrated in the Church as her birthday is being prepared.

The 48-Hour Perpetual Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady’s Birthday commences Monday September 5 at 6pm and concludes Wednesday September 7 at 6pm.

Those who participate commit themselves to pray the Rosary. Before doing so they fill out a timetable indicating what part of the 48-hour period they will be praying, and send the timetable to the organisers.

The timetable, published in The Record three weeks ago, is available via fax from The Record or organisers.

The gift of prayer for Mary on her birthday is being offered to her by organisers and participants to use as she desires.

The Rosary Bouquet will be presented at Our Lady’s Birthday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, September 8 at 12.10pm, preceded by an hour of Eucharistic Adoration. A meditative Rosary commencing at 11am will be led by Fr Paul Carey.

Further information: Margaret Bowen Ph: 9446 1935, Fax: 9446 1933 Email: bowen@iinet.net.au OR Janis Mackin, Ph: 9255 1382, Fax: 9255 4182

Perth young people pray on the feast of the Assumption of Mary at Schoenstatt Germany. Schoenstatt is a major international Marian shrine, while a local Schoenstatt Shrine can be visited in the picturesque foothills of Armadale. Sisters of the Armadale Schoenstatt Shrine particularly welcome visitors. They can be contacted on (08) 9399 2349. The 48-Hour Rosary Bouquet offers a great chance for young people to gather and participate in life’s spiritual journey. Praying the Rosary around a lighted candle for half an hour would be a good start.

PANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese

Saturday August 27

INNER FREEDOM

Presenter Murray Graham (Inigo Centre Director)

9.30am to 11.30am in all purpose room John XXII Cost, Donation.

Sunday August 28

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK

1  2 PM ON ACCESS 31

World Youth Day 2005: Footage from live broadcasts of the events in Cologne. Videos and DVDs of WYD and other EWTN programs available on request. All have been recorded in Perth by satellite dish. Postal address: The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. Enquiries: 9330 1170.

Monday August 29

CARITAS AUSTRALIA INVITES YOU TO THEIR 2005 ANNUAL GATHERING

Registration 6.45pm, 40A Mary St, Highgate (entry off Harold St). National Director, Jack de Groot; Global Education Advisor, Janeen Murphy on: What Caritas is doing now, including ‘Make Poverty History.’ Bookings by Thurs 25 Aug Ph 9422 7925 Email perth@caritas.org.au.

Tuesday August 30

DAY OF REFLECTION

St Bernadette’s Church Jugan St, Glendalough, commencing at 10.30am with Rosary followed by Holy Mass and Talks, concluding at 2pm. Celebrant and speaker Fr Hugh Thomas (Redemptorist). Bring lunch to share.

Sat August 27 - Friday September 2

YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST  MORLEY PARISH WEEK 

UNWRAPPING THE GIFT OF THE EUCHARIST

All are invited and welcome to the many events of the week - guest speakers Angela Bendotti, John Thornhill, Norma Woodcock, film night “Babette’s Feast”, “Unwrapping the Eucharistic Prayer” workshop, “With Burning Hearts” by Henri Nouwen book reading sessions, Eucharistic Adoration (children sessions included). Sunset suppers before evening sessions. For more details on the program for the week ph: Darren or Pearl 9276 8500.

Tuesday August 30 to Thursday September 8

Novena to Our Lady of Good Health Vailankanni. 7pm, Holy Trinity Church, 8 Burnett St Embleton. Enq G Jacob 9272 1379.

Thursday Sept 1 and Sunday Sept 4

EMMAUS WALK

Enjoy nature, good company and a walk in the spirit of the Gospel along the beautiful Swan River foreshore of Bardon Park and beyond in Maylands. Leaving at 10am and 1pm from Bardon Park car park and progressing to Friendship town house for refreshments following a Gospel reading and sharing time. Archbishop Hickey writes “the symbolism of the walk is powerful and I am sure people will respond to the knowledge that Jesus is walking with them.” Enq Maggie Box 9272 8263/0438 946 621.

Friday September 2

ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS

Eucharistic Adoration Friday Holy Mass 9pm ˆ Saturday Parish Mass 7.30am (Rosary, hymns, etc and silent adoration). All are welcome to visit for any length of time during the night in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Bernadette’s Church, 49 Jugan Street, Glendalough. Enquiries 9444 6131/9342 5845.

Friday September 2

PROLIFE PROCESSION MIDLAND

Commencing 9.30am with Mass celebrated at St Brigid’s Church Midland, the Franciscan Friars will lead us. All are invited to come and witness for the sanctity of life and pray for the conversion of hearts.

Saturday September 3

DAY WITH MARY

Our Lady’s Assumption Church, Cnr Stevenson and Creery Street, Mandurah, from 9am-5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown followed by a day of prayer and instruction based upon the message of Fatima. The day also includes the Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO. Enq 9250 8286. Transport is $14. Bookings 9367 1366 or 0404 893 877.

Saturday September 3

WITNESS FOR LIFE PROCESSION

Commencing with Mass at 8.30am at St Anne’s Church, Belmont we proceed prayerfully to the Rivervale Abortion Centre and conclude with Rosary led by Fr Paul Carey SSC. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts. Enq 9402 0349.

Sunday September 4

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary’s

Monday September 5-7

48 HOUR PERPETUAL ROSARY BOUQUET FOR OUR LADY’S BIRTHDAY

To be part of the Rosary bouquet please contact Margaret on 9446 1935, bowen@iinet.net.au, Jan 9255 1382 or post scroll with recorded names to 2 Suso St, Woodlands 6018.

Thursday September 8 REMEMBRANCE MASS

Hello-Goodbye, a remembrance Mass for families and friends of babies lost before, during or soon after birth will be held at the Good Shepherd church cnr of Altone Rd and Morley Dve, Lockridge at 7.30pm. For more details please contact Shirley on 9279 9165.

Thursday September 8

BULLSBROOK PILGRIMAGE FOR OUR LADYS BIRTHDAY

The birthday of Our Lady will be celebrated at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd Bullsbrook at 11am with a Rosary procession, Holy Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English. Fremantle bus Enq Lucia 9331 3078 and SACRI 9447 3292.

Saturday September 17

DAY OF RETREAT

The Holy Spirit of Freedom Community is having a Charismatic Day Retreat from 9.30am to 9.30pm at St. Anne’s parish hall, 11 Hehir St, Belmont. This will include times for prayer, praise and worship, sharing and talks. There will be a Charismatic Mass at 4.30pm and the Retreat will conclude with an evening rally at 7.30pm. All welcome. Tea, coffee and evening sausage sizzle provided. Please BYO sandwich lunch to share. Enquiries: Glenn 9228 1800.

Friday September 16-18

ANNUAL RETREAT  SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

All those interested in learning more of St Francis and the spirituality of his followers are welcome to attend. The annual Retreat will be held at the Redemptorist Retreat House. The retreat will be given by Fr Pat Collbourne OFM Cap. Registrations will be held on Friday evening from 6.30pm. Enq and bookings Mary 9377 7925 or Michael on 9275 2066.

Thursday September 22

ONE DAY CONFERENCE ON EVANGELISATION IN MODERN AUSTRALIA

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of Evangelii Nuntiandi.

Key note speaker is Fr Stephen Bevans SVD, a world renowned speaker and writer on the theology of evangelization and missiology. The conference is to be held at the Willetton Parish Centre and will conclude with Archbishop Barry Hickey concelebrating the Eucharist with bishops and priests from around the state. To register as a participant, contact Francis Leong at the Catholic Mission Office on 9422 7933 during office hours.

DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART

ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

All Saints Chapel St Georges Tce, commencing at 9pm followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosaries, prayers and hymns on the hour, concluding Saturday morning with Mass at 7am. Enq 9409 4543

CROSS ROADS COMMUNITY TERM 3

JULY 19  SEPTEMBER 23

Family & Friends Support Groups of Substance Abusers are on Wednesdays 7-9pm, Substance Abusers Support Groups are on Tuesdays 5.307.30pm & Fridays All day Group for Substance Abusers is from 9.30am to 2pm including Healing Mass on Fridays at 12.30pm during term. Rosary is from Tuesday to Thursday at 12.30-1pm.

RESOURCE CENTRE FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAMS FREMANTLE

195 High St. Personal and spiritual awareness and relationship education course starting in August. Bible study and Charismatic Prayer Meeting every Tuesday. Enq 9336 3330.

Every Sunday

BULLSBROOK SHRINE MASS PROGRAM

Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd. Bullsbrook. 2pm Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. A Monthly Pilgrimage is held on the last Sunday of the month in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation. Anointing of the sick is administered for spiritual and physical healing during Holy Mass every second Sunday of the month. The side entrance to the Church is open daily between 9am and 5pm for private prayer. For all enq SACRI 9447 3292.

Cathedral, Victoria Square commencing at 1.30pm, Holy Rosary, Reconciliation and Sermon with Fr Michael Rowe on St Peter Claver followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction. Enq Kohn 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

BOOK KEEPING

■ SMALL BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING MYOB

Bulk rates negotiable. Ph: Margaret 9459 5866/0403 778 426

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ GUTTERS/DOWNPIPES

Need renewing, best work and cheapest prices. Free quote. Ph: Ad 9447 7475 or 0408 955 991 5008.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200.

■ PICASSO PAINTING

Top service. Phone 9345 0557, fax 9345 0505.

CATHOLICS CORNER

■ RETAILER OF CATHOLIC PRODUCTS

Specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER

■ WORK FROM HOME

Around your children & family commitments. My business is expanding and I need people to open new areas all over Australia. Training given. Highly lucrative. www.cyber-success-4u.org

COUNSELLING

■ ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF COUNSELLING

Personal and Family Counselling. Advanced diploma of educational counselling in personal and spiritual awareness and relationship education. Ausstudy-accredited. Ph Eva 9336 3330.

FRIENDSHIP 200

■ MEMBERSHIP ESTABLISHED FOR 5YRS

Supporting Orphans and Life Link. Become a member today and enjoy a quiet alfresco style smorgasbord (by donation) at Friendship Townhouse Maylands overlooking beautiful Swan river walkways. Enq Maggie 9272 8263

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ AAA SLIPSTREAM

Piano removal, sales and hire. Special discount for schools. Contact Tony 0418 923 414

■ ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ BUSSELTON

Geog Bay, Park Home sleeps UP TO 6 winter rates apply. Ph Elizabeth 0408 959 671.

■ DENMARK

Holiday House 3bdr x 2bth, sleeps up to 8. BOOK NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377.

HOUSESITTER

■ AVAILABLE 2006

Currently taking bookings to care for your home and pets. Metro area. Natalie Tel. 0417 976 028.

OPEN DAY

■ YOUTH WITH A MISSION

Check out training and ministry opportunities... enjoy music, fun and games... feast on a free sausage sizzle... Youth With A Mission has existed in Perth for over 20 years equipping young and old alike with the knowledge and methods to impact this city and nations abroad with the Gospel. Please join and learn more about opportunities for you to become involved. This is a great event for a youth group.

date: 29th October 2005... time: 10am4pm... location: 150 Claisebrook Road, Perth... contact: (08) 9328 5321... hope to see you there.

OFFICIAL DIARY

REAL ESTATE

■ SHEILA SHANNON

Thinking of changing your address?

Selling or buying, please think of me!

Sheila Shannon, First Western Realty, ...hoping for your call 040 88 66 593.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ VESTMENTS

The Sister’s of the Carmelite Monastery have a few sets of vestments for SALE. If interested please ring 9795 7807.

■ JESUS, MARY, ST JOSEPH AND ST JUDE For my daughters successful operation.

■ THE HOLY FAMILY , ST EDMUND, ARROW SMITH AND ST MARTHA For prayers answered.

■ OUR LADY

For novenas answered from Olivia and Ryan.

■ BOARD

Full board available in lovely Maylands, Opp. Park and near bus. Suit female student, backpacker or working person. Ph Kath 0400 227 118.

■ CLEANER

Looking for a trustworthy,committed cleaner to do two houses in the Stirling + Duncraig areas. Day-Saturday, but can be negotiated. Please call Joan during the day on 9444 9366 or after 7pm 9344 3380.

2 Blessing and opening of College of Medicine, Notre Dame University - Mgr Michael Keating

2-4 Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Mundaring - Archbishop Hickey Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Rockingham - Bishop Sproxton

4 Confirmation, Northam - Fr Greg Carroll

5 Mass and Blessing of Missionaries of Charity House, Kalgoorlie - Archbishop Hickey

5-8 Clergy Retreat - Bishop Sproxton

6-8

Central Commission, Canberra - Archbishop Hickey

8 Mass celebrating the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 12.10 pm, St Mary’s CathedralArchbishop Hickey

Confirmation, South Perth - Bishop Sproxton

Confirmation, Chisholm College - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

SEPTEMBER

1 & 2 Confirmation, Dianella - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

ALL SAINTS CHAPEL

CONFESSIONS: 10.30 to 11.45am and two lunchtime

MASSES: 12.10 and 1.10pm Monday through Friday. Easy to find in the heart of Perth , 77 ALLENDALE

SQUARE, St. George’s Terrace, Perth, WA. Let the peace of the Chapel surround you; let the hurry and worry of your many cares be left with the Lord. Visit with Him. Talk with Him. Give yourself time for Him! Exposition: 8am - 4pm. Morning Prayer: 8am (Liturgical hours). The Holy Rosary daily: 12.40pm. Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction: Mondays and Fridays 1.35pm. St Pio of Pietrelcina Novena to the Sacred Heart and Benediction: Wednesdays 1.35pm. To help you know and appreciate your Faith, a Lending Library of a thousand books, videos, cassettes at your service. Tel: 9325 2009. The Chapel is closed weekends and public holidays. www.allsaintschapel.com

PERPETUAL ADORATION

Of the Blessed Sacrament Christ the King, Lefroy Rd, Beaconsfield. Enq Joe Migro 9430 7937, A/H 0419 403 100. Adoration also at Sacred Heart, 64 Mary St Highgate, St Anne’s, 77 Hehir St Belmont. Bassendean, 19 Hamilton St and Mirrabooka, 37 Changton Wy. “Jesus is there for you 24/7.”

THE PILGRIM CROSS

This wooden cross (2m length) will be carried by the group of 16 pilgrims to the Shrines at Medjugorje, Lisieux (St Therese Relic), Nevers (St Bernadette Relic), Lourdes, Fatima. Those who would like to have their name inscribed on the cross, can do so for a donation which will go towards Maddington Parish Fundraising. South Indian Breakfast Sunday 11 September 2005. This is another fund-raising event which will be held at the Church Hall from 10am. October Ball Saturday 1 October 2005. This is a fund-raising event. All donations are tax deduct-

ible. Donation forms can be obtained from Francis Williams, Enq 9459 3873, Mob. 0404 893 877.

PERPETUAL ADORATION AT ST BERNADET TE’S

GLENDALOUGH

Chapel open all day and all night. All welcome, 49 Jugan St, just north of the city. The easiest perpetual adoration chapel to get to in Perth. Just off the Mitchell Fwy by car, near the Glendalough train station and on bus routes 15,278 and 400.

EVENING MASSES AT ST B ERNADETT E’S GLENDALOUGH

Every night at St Bernadette’s Glendalough, 49 Jugan St. 5.45pm Monday to Friday, 6.30pm, Saturday and the last Sunday Mass in Perth is at 7pm.

40 DAYS OF PURPOSE

An August-September all-Christian Evangelisation course being conducted in many Perth churches and communities. More info: Harry (9444 4626) and Website: www.purposedriven.com.au.

ASSISTANCE REQUIRED

The Catholic Parish of St Anne’s, Bindoon require help to assist tradesmen to complete work on the Parish centre. Ph John 9457 7771.

BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION

Holy Family Church, Alcock Street, Maddington. Every Friday 8.30 am Holy Mass followed by Blessed Sacrament Adoration till 12 noon. Every first Friday of the month, anointing of the sick during Mass. Enq. 9398 6350.

SUNDAY CHINESE MASS

The Perth Chinese Catholic Community invite you to join in at St Brigid’s Church, 211 Aberdeen St (Cnr of Aberdeen and Fitzgerald) Northbridge. Celebrant Rev Fr Dominic Su SDS. Mass starts 4.30pm every Sunday. Enq Augustine 9310 4532, Mr Lee 9310 9197, Peter 9310 1789.

Priestly Ordination of Fra Oscar M Aguilera Acosta OSM, Joondanna - Bishop Quinn

LITURGY OFFICE OFFERING EXCELLENT WORKSHOPS

Leadership for Music Ministry, 25 August. Cantors for the Country: To give people confidence and practical skills to lead the singing in country parishes 22 October. Phone: 9422 7902.

CONFRATERNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Confraternity of the Holy Spirit has been sanctioned in the Perth Archdiocese, our aim is to make the Holy Spirit known and loved, and to develop awareness of His presence in our lives. If you would like more information please call WA Coordinator Frank Pimm on 9304 5190.

CATHOLICS EXPERIENCING THE BIBLE

PUBLIC LECTURES

An exciting opportunity to learn more about your faith. Public lectures Tues 4 - 5pm. Sept 6: Praying with Mary (Fr Chris M Ross, OSM); Sept 13: Praying with Scripture (Fr Anthony Van Dyke, OP); and Sept 20: Praying through the heart of Jesus (Fr Jim Shelton). Cost $5 per lecture. Enquiries to Jane on 9202 6859 or 0401 692 690.

First Sunday of each month

DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY

Fr Douglas Hoare and the Santa Clara Parish Community welcome anyone from surrounding Parishes and beyond to the Santa Clara Church cnr of Coolgardie and Pollock Streets, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Reflection, and concludes with Benediction.

THE DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE

St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth – each first Sunday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.15pm with a different priest each month. All Saints Chapel, Allendale Square, 77 St George’s Tce, Perth - each Monday and Friday at 1.35pm. Main Celebrant Fr James Shelton. St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor Street, East Perth - each Saturday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, main celebrant Fr Marcellinus Meilak, OFM.

2000 young people express interest in the consecrated life

Following Cologne’s World Youth Day, some 2,000 young men and women expressed their desire to serve God in the consecrated life.

The youths responded to the “vocational call” during a World Meeting of Young People in Bonn’s Rheinau Park on Monday, organised by the Neocatechumenal Way.

According to the organisation, approximately 90,000 youth took part in the meeting, at which 50 bishops were present.

The meeting began with an expression of gratitude from Cologne’s Archbishop, Cardinal Joachim Meisner, accompanied by his three auxiliary bishops. “The Church is young and we have seen that in Cologne,” said the Cardinal. Cardinal Meisner then ceded the floor to Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney. The Australian prelate thanked the youth of the Neocatechumenal Way for what “they do for the life of the Church, with missionaries and seminarians who take Christ’s message throughout the world.”

Neocatechumenal Way founder Kiko Argüello told the young people that “the Church is going through a grave crisis due to globalisation, secularisation and the silent apostasy of Europe,” and asked them to help priests as “the surmounting of the crisis [falls] on the backs of the clergy.”

One of the most moving moments of the event was a procession, with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of 1150 priests and students from Redemptoris Mater seminaries. The seminaries arose thanks to the help of the Neocatechumenal Way.

Catholic Hospital opens in North Korea

The Rason International Catholic Hospital has opened in this town in Hamgyeongbuk-do province.

The hospital was built with the assistance of the Catholic International Cooperation Medical Service and thanks to the cooperation between the Congregation of St Ottilien of the Benedictine Order and the Catholic Church in Korea.

The three-story building covers an area of 25,000 square metres and is equipped with facilities for medical diagnosis and treatment. It has 100 beds and employs 80 doctors, nurses and medical staff.

“Catholic hospitals give hope for peace and cooperation. I hope that this hospital also can pave a way for further cooperation,” said Benedictine Abbot Notker Wolf.

“It is a happy occasion that a hospital can open in North Korea with the concern and assistance of the Church,” said Archbishop Paul Ri Moun-hi of Daegu, South Korea, and head of the Catholic Foundation that funded the project.

There is no religious freedom in North Korea, and the food and health situation of the population is disastrous. Archbishop Cheong Jinsuk of Seoul, who is also the apostolic administrator of Pyongyang, appealed on August 17 for religious freedom in the North, saying that it would “go along with socioeconomic improvements in the country.”

■ The Benedictine Abbot Primate, Fr Notker (Werner) Wolf visited New Norcia in September

In Brief

2003. He told The Record that his community of St Ottilien had been active in China and North Korea before the communist takeover in those countries and had managed to resume their work, particularly in North-East China.

He had managed to visit North Korea in 1994 and realised that charitable works would have to be the key, and he obtained permission to build a hospital. He told The Record the construction was complete in September 2003 “but I am still collecting money for the equipment”.

The Benedictines of St Ottilien always felt a sense of responsibility for people their monks had baptised and this fuelled their determination to get back into China and North Korea. In conjunction with the local government in North-East China, they had set up a 500-bed hospital, with up to 10 Benedictine Sisters from the Tutzing Community working there.

He took a group of Chinese officials to Germany to show them what religious freedom really is. It made a big difference when they saw the extent of the charitable work undertaken by the Church and the level of separation but cooperation between the Church and the State.

This led to permission to build a major seminary, a church, and a diocesan community.

Japanese sculptor found the Faith by studying Antoni Gaudí

Fascinated by the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, Japanese sculptor Etsuro Sotoo discovered the Catholic faith while working in the Church of the Holy Family, in Barcelona.

The sculptor, renowned in Japan, spoke about his faith experience last Sunday at the meeting organised by Communion and Liberation in the town of Rimini, during a conference entitled “The Window Men: Freedom in Art.”

On a visit to Barcelona in 1978, Sotoo was fascinated by the expiatory Church of the Holy Family, the unfinished masterpiece of Gaudí (1852-1926), and requested permission to remain in the Catalan city to work as a sculptor. Gaudí’s cause for beatification is under way.

“To understand Gaudí, it was necessary to know what he wanted to do with those sculptures, with that marvellous building, which was not just a work of art,” explained Sotoo.

“I tried to get inside him and I questioned the stones,” the Japanese sculptor said. “I wondered what Gaudí would have done in my place. It was necessary to discover what was behind this stone.”

Sotoo did not find answers to these questions until he understood that he did not have to “look at Gaudí, but in the direction in which Gaudí looked.”

According to the Japanese artist, the imposing character of the

Church is not meant to be the display of the proud power of an artist, but a work dedicated and maintained by God, of whom Gaudí regarded himself a collaborator, to the point that he did not want to put his personal name to the project.

Sotoo, who requested baptism in 1989, said that since his conversion, his way of working has not changed, but it “is easier and more secure” and fills him with “pleasure and freedom.” “Gaudí’s architecture

Are you being called to be a Passionist ?

“The Passion of Jesus is the Greatest Sign of God’s Love.”

Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

Who are Passionists ?

Passionist men and women are ever mindful of God’s love. They:

indicates, it does not oblige, it is something human,” Sotoo said. “This is also Jesus’ way. He does not oblige us to do anything, but guides us. And this way we can be much happier and secure.” Etsuro Sotoo ended his address at the Rimini meeting stating that “the artist, as Gaudí said, collaborates with his work in God’s creation; in this way, freedom and happiness are possible. This is the only way man must follow.” - Zenit

- preach the Passion of Jesus - reach out to all in times good and bad - are a t the forefront of the world’s suffering – today’s crucified - minister passionately the power of love.

Pope John Paul II said in 2000: “The death of Christ is the source from which you Passionists must draw your own spirituality in a very particular way: to love where it is most difficult to love.”

Since Saint Paul of the Cross founded the Passionists in the 18th century, they have grown into a family of priests, brothers, sisters and companions, serving in 55 countries throughout the world.

Link to Australia at www.passionists.com or Internationally at www.passionistworld.org

Passionist Vocations: PO Box 12, Marrickville NSW 1475. Email: hcc@passionist.org.au

Abbot Notker Wolf, the head of the 25000-strong worldwide confederation of Benedictine monks, also enjoys music.