The ABC documentary called ‘Pope Francis: the Disruptor’ hosted by renowned Australian journalist Geraldine Doogue, featured the Diocese of Parramatta as part of its ABC Compass series, which aims to explore Australian beliefs, ethical dilemmas and the changing face of spirituality.
Promotion featuring journalist Geraldine Doogue. Image: ABC TV.
Aired on Sunday 21 September, the documentary delved into Pope Francis’ recent tour of Southeast Asia, his commitment to the marginalised people in society, as well as the various challenges in carrying out his mission – including topics such as climate action, First Nations representation, and the safeguarding of young people in the Church.
The Diocese of Parramatta’s Qwayne Guevara (Manager – Catholic Youth Parramatta) and Sebastian Duhau (Mission Enhancement Team Facilitator – Catholic Youth Parramatta) were interviewed as part of the documentary.
The Diocese’s mission enhancement team members Qwayne Guevara and Sebastian Duhau are featured in the TV special. Image: ABC TV. Source; Facebook.
In the documentary, Qwayne shares how the Diocese of Parramatta is actively engaging with young people to attract this key local demographic to the Church.
“We have the mix of cultures … one of the highest populations of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers,” Qwayne said in the interview.
“But we’re also quite young, and so that really influences the spirit of the community here: one that’s joyful and creative – they’re dreamers here in the Diocese of Parramatta,” she said.
Qwayne said the Diocese’s youth ministry activities attract a significant numbers of young, local faithful participants.
“We can get up to over 200 young people at some of these events, at gatherings, retreats or constant events we organise, or sports days … and they are hungry to be involved,” she said.
“It may not look like how it’s always been within the confines of the parish walls.”
Sebastian Duhau agreed, noting that Pope Francis tells us that the Church is not a field of saints, but is meant to be a field hospital for everyone.
“This Church is supposed to be for everyone, so look around, who’s not here… let’s make this a home for them, too,” he said.
Sebastian also echoed Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal, listening Church that “enters into dialogue” with its people.
Both were delighted to share their perspectives in the documentary, which attracts on engaging with diverse members of the community across the diverse region of Sydney’s northwest, west and far west to experience the fullness of life through communion, participation, and mission in the Church.
Behind the scenes filming of the documentary. Image: supplied.
Pope Francis recently completed his longest trip at the age of 87, having travelled more than 32,000 kilometers to four countries in the Asia-Pacific between 2 September and 13 September.
Check out the trailer reel on Facebook.
Watch the full documentary on ABC iview.
The documentary discusses Pope Francis’s views and current challenges. Image: ABC TV.
