austraLasia #2212


Inviting WYD follow-up around the Region

ROME: 31st July 2008 -- It is the last day of July and memories of the Sydney WYD event are still fresh.  We have already heard from the Cambodian Salesian delegation.  There were many others from the EAO region present in both Melbourne and Sydney and, for that matter, in other dioceses throughout the country.  I am now inviting comments from these groups, or from individuals, on the experiences which we can share with the rest of the region.
    Let me offer one.  Only this week I received a phone call from a past pupil in Australia.  He now works in Sydney as a Japanese-English interpreter. We were not teaching Japanese at the school at the time and I recall that Chris was putting in many extra hours in the evenings and weekends attempting to study an extra subject - Japanese - on the fly.  It has obviously paid off!
    Chris is now 27 and I had not heard from him for ten years.  But he rang to say that as he was now living in Sydney, he had got caught up fully in the general enthusiasm around the city. and decided to 'buy in' to some of the events to see what was really happening.  He also pointed out that in the interim, since leaving school, his connections with 'Church' had been minimal.  'But Father', he pointed out excitedly over the phone, 'the WYD has revitalised my faith.  I feel that my life has been turned around'.
    It is a small witness, but no doubt it has been repeated many times over.  The important things now are the continuing connections that will help those who have 'turned around' to stay on track!
    Do you have further experiences or news of follow up events to add?  jbf.

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Title: australasia 2212
Subject and key words: EAO General WYD follow up
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2212