By Amy Zambrano
This past summer, I represented Rosemont College at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia with Campion College. World Youth Day was a week long Catholic celebration with the Pope in which hundreds of thousands of youth around the world attended.
The event in Sydney attracted more international visitors than the Sydney Olympics in 2000. World Youth Day was created by Pope John Paul II in 1986 in the hopes of rejuvenating the Catholic faith among the global youth. He wanted the next generation of Catholics to be inspired by Christ. Since the beginning of this event in Rome, Italy, it has been hosted every two to three years in a different country. Since Pope John Paul's death in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI decided to continue the World Youth Day tradition.
The week long events consisted of the biblical theme established by Pope Benedict XVI, which is, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses." Acts 1:8. The goal of this message was to encourage the youth of the world to be open to the spirit of Christ to transform your life. The message is about a call of service. This message brings about important questions for Catholics, such as: How can you ignite the light of Christ in the world? What are you doing to help your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Personally, I found this to be an inspiring message. It has encouraged me to be an apostle of Christ's faith because I have "received the power."
The opening mass at Darling Harbor was celebrated by Australian Cardinal Pell along with hundreds of bishops around the world. The Papal arrival attracted a massive crowd of devout Catholics at Sydney Harbor. As the Pope arrived on his ship with fleets of boats surrounding him, the crowd chanted, "Benedetto!" or "Viva il Papa." Despite the diversity of cultures, the audience was unified by their love of Christ. When the Pope arrived after his superstar entrance, he spoke to the pilgrims in four different languages. After speaking, he got in the Pope Mobile and traveled through the crowd and the streets of Sydney. I myself was within three feet of the Pope when he passed by my section and waved. It was an incredible moment to be in the presence of the Holy Father.
Another major event was the live re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross. This was a moving theatrical representation of the passion of Christ. The following day was the pilgrimage walk from North Sydney to Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park. After sunset there was a beautiful candlelit evening vigil with the Pope. With a sea of candle lights illuminating the racetrack, it was evident that the Holy Spirit was present. This vigil was a celebration and reflection of the seven gifts from the Holy Spirit. Following the vigil ceremony was a sleep out under the stars. In the morning, the final Mass was celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict XVI described the largest Catholic Mass as being "a multicolored mosaic, formed by young men and women from every part of the globe, all gathered together in one faith in Jesus Christ." At the end of the Mass he announced that the next World Youth Day will be held in Madrid, Spain in 2011.
The Holy Father encouraged the youth of the world to become active in their faith. He stated that, "Our hearts and minds are yearning for a vision of life where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth and where identity is found in respectful communion. Let this be the message you bring from Sydney to the world."
Not only did I attend World Youth Day, but I also took a history course at Campion College in Australia. Campion College is the only Catholic liberal arts institution in Australia. Similar to Rosemont in its mission and values, it also has a small student population of 60 students. The instructors were well educated and provided an interesting and challenging curriculum. The students were friendly and did their best to immerse me and the other Americans from Seton Hall University into Australian culture. Through Campion I was able to explore the tourist destinations in Sydney such as the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Opera House. Also, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to hike in the Blue Mountains and go to an Australian rugby game. I encourage all students to take the opportunity to study abroad at Campion College.
My journey to the land down under was a journey of faith. There are not enough words to describe what my Australian experience means to me. To be a pilgrim among almost 500,000 youths in a once in a lifetime experience. I feel blessed for the opportunity to represent Rosemont College in this global event. Pope Benedict XVI said, "We must continually ask God to renew our minds with the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us through the scriptures and guides us into all truth." Let the Holy Spirit speak to you. Receive the power of the Holy Spirit and may it bring you the truth of Christ.
Comments