The 31st World Youth Day (WYD) was held in Krakow, Poland from July 25-31. It was celebrated with the theme: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,” (Matthew 5:7).
There were 48 pilgrims who participated and represented the Diocese of Lismore in this international faith event. The diocesan pilgrimage group consisted of clergy, parish members and school staff. Participants between the age of 18-35 have been selected through a rigorous process of application and referral. The key element of the pilgrimage was a personal formation program that would strengthen parishioners as both witnesses to Jesus Christ and communicators of the Catholic Faith to others.
The group arrived in Poland on 20 July. Before the WYD events, the pilgrims had a guided tour of Warsaw, a visit to the shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, excursions to Auschwitz and Wadowice (the museum dedicated to St John Paul II).
The World Youth Day Celebration started with the Opening Mass on July 26. Catecheses, celebrations of Mass and Reconciliation, and other activities were provided for the pilgrims to grow in their faith from July 27-29. The pilgrims from around the world welcome Pope Francis to the event on July 28 and the following day, the pilgrims reflected on the Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis. On July 30, the pilgrims walked to the Field of Mercy where, they had vigil, and where the Pope celebrated the Final Mass of WYD 2016 the following day with about 1.6 million pilgrims in attendance.
Pope Francis challenged the youth to be “active players” in history, “to leave a mark,” to bring the Good News of Christ “in all the settings you find yourselves”.
The Diocese of Lismore pilgrimage group was led by Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett. Fr Paul Winter, Fr Roland Agrisola, Fr Bing Monteagudo and Fr Stefan Matuszek assisted in the chaplaincy ministry. Mr Matt deDassel was the pilgrimage group coordinator.
The pilgrimage concluded with a retreat day in Vienna before departing for Australia.
