Tag Archives: Aussie Pilgrims

World Youth Day is a catalyst for renewal in youth ministry, Australian bishops say

Pilgrims at the Australian Gathering in Tauron Arena, Krakow.

Pilgrims at the Australian Gathering in Tauron Arena, Krakow.

World Youth Day in Sydney changed the landscape of youth ministry nationally, the Australian bishops said today during a national gathering of Australian pilgrims currently participating at World Youth Day (WYD) events in Krakow, Poland.

Today, the Australian Bishops joined more than 3,000 young people at a national Australian gathering during WYD Krakow that included a launch of the ‘Year of Youth’, building on the legacy of World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08).

The Year of Youth will celebrate the tenth anniversary of World Youth Day, Sydney and highlight how the Australian Church continues to tell the story of WYD08 in its local ministry.

Bishop Mark Edwards, Australian Catholic Bishops Delegate for Youth and an MC at the national gathering said, ‘The years of preparation leading up to World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) and its events have changed the landscape of youth ministry leaving a lasting impression on the Church. Local youth ministries have grown and diversified. The number of youth ministers has increased along with diocesan support structures. Continue reading

World Youth Day 2016 pilgrimage experiences

Parramatta pilgrims carry out mission projects across Bohol, Philippines.

Parramatta pilgrims carry out mission projects across Bohol, Philippines. Photo from Diocese of Parramatta.

Over the past few days, Australian pilgrims, group leaders, bishops and chaplains have commenced their pilgrimage to World Youth Day.

There are more than 30 different Cosmos pilgrimages currently taking place with some groups visiting holy places while others complete a mission project in a place of need.

The ACBC Office for Youth provides a snapshot below of just some of the wonderful pilgrimage experiences taking place.

One of the Diocese of Parramatta’s pilgrimages to World Youth Day 2016 has begun on the island of Bohol, Philippines.

The Bishop of Tagbilaran, Most Rev Leonardo Y Medroso DD, formally welcomed pilgrims to the Diocese of Tagbilaran and spoke about the experience of mercy. Continue reading

Aussie Pilgrims Journey to the City of Mercy

Poalnd_200Thousands of Aussie pilgrims are departing from Australia over the coming days to join with millions of youth from around the world as they meet with Pope Francis in Krakow, Poland for the 2016 World Youth Day (WYD).

Of the 3,000 Australian pilgrims participating at WYD, 2350 are travelling with Cosmos, the official Australian Tour Operator designated by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for WYD 2016.

Cosmos are providing 37 different pilgrimage itineraries across Europe with 63 coaches, each with a dedicated tour guide.

Cosmos National Marketing Manager for Australia Chris Fundell said it was a huge honour to be chosen as the official tour operator for this task.

“This is an extraordinary event to be involved in and one of the largest group operations Cosmos has ever arranged,” said Mr Fundell. Continue reading