Pilgrims are sent forth following World Youth Day Commissioning Mass

By Mary Brazell, 14 December 2018
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv poses with the 171 Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims during the World Youth Day Commissioning Mass. Image: Aphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.

 

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta was a hive of anticipation and excitement as 171 pilgrims from the Diocese were sent forth on their pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) 2019 in Panama.

With just under a month to go before their departure, pilgrims celebrated mass with Most Rev Bishop Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and received their pilgrim packs and itineraries for next month’s pilgrimage.

VIEW: Images from the World Youth Day 2019 Commissioning Mass here.

For many pilgrims, the Commissioning Mass would be the last time pilgrim groups will see each other before departing as a group on 15 January.

The Commissioning Mass concludes nearly three months of pilgrim formation, led by Catholic Youth Parramatta, in which they learnt how to prepare physically, emotionally and spiritual for their pilgrimage.

The World Youth Day Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.

In his homily, Bishop Vincent, called on the pilgrims to enrich themselves in the World Youth Day experience. “The Church in Parramatta is tremendously encouraged by your youthful enthusiasm.

“Like St Paul, we pray that ‘your love may increase and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you can always recognise what is best.’

“The Church needs you to be the ambassadors for Christ. The Church needs you to be the messengers of God’s truth, hope and love in a world ruled by fear and despair.

“May you be true to your call of faithful discipleship and generous mission as you go forth living, witnessing and sharing the Good News of Christ.”

READ: Bishop Vincent’s homily from the World Youth Day Commissioning Mass

VIEW: Images from the World Youth Day 2019 Commissioning Mass here.

The 18-day pilgrimage will include visits to Guadalupe and Puebla in Mexico ahead of WYD week in Panama City. Whilst in Mexico, pilgrims will have the chance to visit and see the work of the Diocese of Puebla with the disadvantaged. The pilgrimage will conclude with a post-World Youth Day retreat in Houston, Texas.

Fr Paul Roberts, chair of the WYD committee invited family, friends and those interested in World Youth Day to attend the WYD IN-Sync event in January 27 at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

The IN-Sync event will have exclusive footage from the pilgrimage and friends and family will have the chance to send messages to their loved ones on pilgrimage.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv poses for a selfie with a World Youth Day pilgrim. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.

 

RELATED: Information for the World Youth Day IN-Sync event.

For more information on the Diocese of Parramatta’s pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2019 in Panama, please visit parrawyd.org

VIEW: Images from the World Youth Day 2019 Commissioning Mass below or here.

2019 World Youth Day Commissioning Mass

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