2008

Wednesday 2nd July 2008
World Youth Day Coming to Manning Region

Next week (July 10-14) 120 overseas visitors will stay with 60 families in the Manning Region In the lead-up to World Youth Day week in Sydney.

The first visitors arrive in Forster on Wednesday 9 July, as part of a World Youth Day tradition known as Days in the Diocese which aims to give pilgrims a taste of the local church and culture in the host country.

According to Deacon Vince Ryan, co-ordinator of the Northern Regional World Youth Day Team, “During Days in the Diocese, we want pilgrims to know firsthand who we are, what matters to us, and what it’s like to live in the Manning. These young people are looking for something more than just a tourist experience. They are on a pilgrimage. Getting to know the locals is an essential part of that experience.”

Pilgrims from Canada’s Saskatchewan and Vancouver regions as well as visitors from Miami are coming to the Manning Region, as part of a group of 3300 pilgrims from over 30 countries who are staying with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

An important part of Days in the Diocese is the “Social Services” day, encouraging pilgrims to make a lasting contribution to their host community. On Friday 11 July, pilgrims throughout the diocese will roll up their sleeves and get involved in a range of community projects from environmental activities to visiting local aged care facilities.

Vince says that learning about the local indigenous culture firsthand is an important focus of the “Social Services” day in the Manning Region. Pilgrims will visit sacred Indigenous sites and local Indigenous leaders will speak to them about Indigenous culture and rituals. Pilgrims will be given the opportunity to paint boomerangs which they can take home with them.

On Saturday 12 July, pilgrims and parishioners from the Manning will gather together for a bush dance and barbecue lunch, the major regional gathering for Days in the Diocese.

Saturday evening and Sunday (13 July) are free for pilgrims to spend time with their host families, sightseeing, visiting local attractions and participating in Mass and parish celebrations.

“We hope Days in the Diocese will be an experience of fun, faith and friendship for our visitors,” Vince said. “There’s a real sense of excitement in our communities; and pleasure in welcoming our overseas visitors and showing them our beautiful region and all that it has to offer. We’re hoping to form enduring friendships and connections.”

A group of fifteen students from St Clare’s High School, Taree are attending World Youth Day Week celebrations in Sydney from 15-20 July, and about 16 locals are travelling to Sydney on 20 July to attend the Papal Mass at Randwick Racecourse.

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