Volume 19, Issue 13-14

For days I’ve been staring at a blank piece of paper. It’s not for lack of things to say or write: I have just been to World Youth Day, after all, the biggest international event that Australia has ever witnessed! It’s more a feeling of frustration that my words will not convey or do justice to the bursting joy in my heart, and the ignited sense of wonder, awe and gratitude that I feel for being part of a truly international, loving and unified Church.

Volume 19, Issue 13-14

Around 235,000 people enjoyed a candle-lit Evening Vigil with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at Randwick Racecourse.

Volume 19, Issue 13-14

To journey, to witness, to receive, was the call that echoed throughout World Youth Day 2008. The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit was rekindled in the flame of faith and hope through the presence of almost 200,000 international pilgrims from all over the world, another 200,000 young Catholic Australians, 1500 priests and religious, 600 bishops, 30 princes of the Church and Pilgrim No. 1: Pope Benedict XVI.

Volume 19, Issue 13-14

Many ask me at what age I decided upon a vocation to the priesthood, but, like all vocations, it was a calling from God rather than a personal whim. God has used various experiences, especially World Youth Day in Cologne and Sydney to gently point out His will to me.