Sisters Participate in World Youth Day 2008

In mid May while we were praying the novena in preparation for the great feast of Pentecost, Mother Kathryn Joseph received an unexpected phone call from New York inviting some of our Sisters to attend World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia.  Providentially, we had not yet finalized our summer schedule, so after a brief time of prayerful reflection, we recognized God's hand in the circumstances and agreed to go.  The invitation came from "Juventutem"  (http://www.juventutem.org/), the international youth network attached to the Roman traditions of the Church. We owe special thanks to Indira Sweeney, Mary Popp, the Dayton Council of the Knights of Columbus and all those who helped to sponsor us for this truly blessed historic trip.  You have a grateful place in our prayers!

Week 1 in Melbourne gave us the opportunity to join young people from around the world in participating in a schedule of solemn traditional liturgies, as well as wonderful chant workshops at St. Aloysius Church. 

 

 

 

Week 2 in Sydney was filled with a rich program of Pontifical High Masses, solemn Vespers, more chant workshops and time to meet and visit with other pilgrims from many parts of the globe.

                   Sisters with Cardinal Francis George

The highlight of our stay was of course, the presence of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.  It is a signal grace to be with Christ's vicar on earth, to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered by the Successor of St. Peter, and to hear his words of paternal love. 

During our final week in Melbourne, we were able to take a couple of road trips to see the natural beauties of Australia before returning to our country.

We are now back in our own beloved USA, but the graces of these past blessed days will be cherished always.  With our Holy Father and with all the young people from around the world we hope and pray that the graces poured out upon us during WYD will enkindle the fire of Divine charity in all hearts bringing about a renewed pentecost in the whole world:  "Veni Sancte Spiritus, et emitte caelitus, lucis tuae radium."

(For more pictures see the Gallery)