Me in WYD and AYE 08

06Jul09

This is a speech I gave to our parish at the end of the Augustinian Youth Encounter or one week after World Youth Day 08

WYD and AYE. Two amazing events. For me, it was probably one of the most difficult times in my life so far. But yet, the most enjoyable. For me, it was D day. It had come to the moment where all my hard work would be manifested on the international stage. Especially for the Augustinian Youth Encounter.

When I look back at WYD and AYE, I don’t only think about the two awesome weeks I spent with our youth. I also think about all the decisions, the sacrifices, and the many late nights I’ve had to make in order to get there. When I first began at the order, I knew that my position relied heavily on my relationship with God. That seemed impossible to break as I was working for something that I hoped would bring other young people into communion with Christ. That was our Goal

As the event drew closer with the number of days counting down on the RTA signs, it was easy for me to get lost, in preparing for this, organising for that, talking to this person, emailing that company, paying off this expense, traveling to this place, etc. It felt like I didn’t know what I was working for again and why I was in this business in the first place. The goal was always there, but it was overshadowed by the million other issues that needed to be taken care off. I have to admit I was pretty stressed and sleep deprived. I wanted to make sure I had a great time at WYD and AYE. So I did all I could before the day had arrived. I had promised myself a 2 things.

1. To hang out with BASIC GIFT as much as I could during WYD and AYE and
2. Make sure that AYE was the best thing to be at after WYD

I guess with WYD and AYE done dusted, I feel that God has definitely blessed me abundantly. God has definitely answered and exceed my prayers during the past 3 three weeks.

First, I had the awesome privilege to be with BASIC GIFT during WYD and AYE. Yeah I was also invited to be on the actual pope boat on the Thursday when the B-16 arrived at Barrangaroo. But it doesn’t really compare with being part of a group of young people who are passionate and an enthusiastic about their faith. I have to admit, i reckon we were one of the loudest groups in the city. One of the highlights, was rocking up to a concert at the Opera house where Rosina was singing, and we were the ones being the excited crowd that started all the screaming, the singing and the dancing. Comments from the band that performed included “I want to be with that group” or “That group’s awesome” really gave me boost into why I had taken youth ministry in the first place.

I can’t forget the numerous times we did the Jesus chant. We did it where ever and when ever, including at the Fr Stan concert (By the way is not a product of CYS, St Nics or Fr Stan). Many lost their voices or had sore throats afterwards.

Secondly, the AYE was an event that would allow all our Augustinian communities to come together and celebrate their faith in a more intimate environment. And it was a success, with comments from all communities about how organised it was, how well it was all connected and how everyone got to know each other. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

On the Saturday of AYE, we were asked how we can be sign of hope in our communities. How we can be an agent of change. I firmly believe that BASIC GIFT has answered that call. That the youth of this parish are a sign of hope for the future. It shows in their thirst for Christ, it shows in their charitable hearts, it shows in their energy to praise and worship, its shows in their prayers for something greater and it shows in their love for God and each other. They are already the sign of hope. The symbol of what is to come after WYD and AYE.

After 2 hectic awesome weeks, I’ve seen our youth express their faith openly, enthusaticaly and passionately. Many of which have discovered or rediscovered their love for God. This is the reason why we as youth leaders do this. This love for God cannot end with us, it must be shared with others.

As a message to all of our youth and young adults in this parish, those active and non active in church activities. Where to from here after WYD and AYE? first things first. We need to start within ourselves. Now that Australia sees us as a vibrant young catholic church,

no longer should we be closed, but open to all what our faith has to offer
no longer should we be embarrased, but proud and passionate for our love in God and for our community
no longer should we be spectators, but fully active, participative baptized catholics who are called to be witnesses to Christ in everything that we do. It all begins right now. WYD and AYE are the starting points. The mission of these 2 events is not over.  Its only the beginning.

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