austraLasia #1905
(Have to thank a keen observer from Johannesburg South Africa, for this
one! Oh well, same hemisphere, I guess).
The Cardinal rules the stage and rocks the saxophone
MELBOURNE: 16th July 2007 -- One of Latin
America's leading advocates of social justice and a strong supporter of
World Youth Day, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez of Honduras, visited
Australia in April (but read on...he's been back since!)
This charismatic man, who is fluent in eight
languages, hit the ground running upon arrival in Sydney, attending the
Caritas Youth Justice Gathering at Hunters Hill. He spoke of his life
in Honduras and his ministry in a country that continues to struggle
with its poor economic condition and crippling foreign debt. He also
described the dangerous realities of life in a country subjected to
political instability and corruption.
Yet amongst this somewhat despairing
situation, the Cardinal spoke of hope: a hope that is alive in the
living Church, the Gospel stories and the young. He inspired those
present with the confidence that everyone has the ability to make a
difference - beginning with their own lives by being witnesses to the
Gospel message.
As a Salesian, and someone who has spent many years
as a teacher, the Cardinal enjoyed spending time with the Sydney youth
before leaving for Melbourne, where he visited and encouraged young
people to become involved in Melbourne’s ‘Days In the Dioceses’ and the
World Youth Day celebrations.
Cardinal Rodriguez's music skills came to the fore
when he helped Aquinas College in Ringwood launch its World Youth Day
initiative. He gave an impromptu saxophone duet with the school's music
coordinator, which gained rapturous applause from the students!
The Cardinal also participated in the National
Conference for Church Administrators while in Melbourne, addressing the
gathering as one of the keynote speakers. The conference was completed
with a closing Mass celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral, while the
MCG’s Long Room was the venue for lunch where Cardinal Rodriguez again
entertained the delegates with his saxophone.
Cardinal Rodriguez’s visit to Australia concluded
with Mass and a public lecture at Newman College. He promised that he
would return with some young people from his diocese for the ‘Days In
the Dioceses’ celebrations in Melbourne next 10-14 July – no
doubt with his saxophone in tow.
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