By Fr Jackson Saunders
Pilgrims to World Youth Day (WYD) from across the Sandhurst Diocese gathered for a reunion on Sunday, 8 October, in Shepparton.
Most of the 35 pilgrims, who had attended the recent WYD in Lisbon, Portugal, were in attendance. This included pilgrims from across the Sandhurst Diocese including Bendigo, Kerang, Echuca, Shepparton, Numurkah, Nathalia, Kyabram, Tatura, Mooroopna and Wodonga.
Pilgrimage co-ordinator, Ruth Lawlor, was also in attendance, along with Dr Chris Cotter, Director of Mission and Pastoral Life for the Diocese.
The reunion began with Mass celebrated in the Chapel at Notre Dame College. Miggy Podosky and Marty Dillon led us in music during the Mass, with assistance from Zoe Hamilton and Maddi Madeira.
A BBQ lunch co-ordinated by Elliott and Sarah Small from St Brendan's Parish followed.
The afternoon program included 30 minutes of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Marian Chapel in St Brendan's Church. This included praise and worship music, silent reflection and Scripture.
That was followed by small group discussions and a group discussion on future opportunities for the pilgrims to engage in parish, and Diocesan life.
Many of the pilgrims remarked that a key goal for them post WYD was to actively attend Sunday Masses in their local parish, to keep their faith alive.
As Chaplain of the Sandhurst Diocese pilgrimage to WYD, I express my thanks to all of you on behalf of the pilgrims. We are grateful for your prayerful and practical support throughout our recent pilgrimage.
Fr Jackson Saunders
Priest for the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
