Pilgrims agree: God’s love not just for WYD

31 Oct 2013

By The Record

Vietnamese Catholic youth leader Thuc Hoang shares his testimony of faith with a recent post-WYD gathering in Westminster. PHOTO: Peter Bui

Vietnamese Catholic Youth Ministry of WA invited World Youth Day Rio pilgrims from throughout Perth to the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Centre in Westminster on October 20 to reflect on the themes of the three most recent WYDs.

The night began with attendees indulging in authentic Vietnamese dishes prepared by the young people and some helpful parents.

While pilgrims enjoyed the cuisine and conversation, footage from the last three WYDs in Rio (2013), Madrid (2011) and Sydney (2008) aired in the background to reignite memories.

Father Huynh Nguyen, chaplain of the Vietnamese Catholic Community of WA, was present to have a meal with them.

Shortly afterwards, we were also lucky enough to have Catholic Youth Ministry Perth chaplain Fr Thomas Zureich come to provide his support.

While most pilgrims there had previously met, some additional ‘ice-breaking’ activities organised by VCYM’s leader Peter Nguyen ensued, ensuring everyone’s eventual acquaintance with one other.

As the social events concluded, so came time to reflect on everyone’s experiences and recall the WYD themes driving the mission of these young pilgrims.

A group rendition of Guy Sebastian’s unforgettable anthem Receive the Power was performed with the enchanting “Alleluias” of the chorus filling the room.

With no detectable sense of patriotic bias, it was unanimously agreed that Sebastian’s song was the greatest WYD theme song of all time.

Discussion of the themes led to agreement that a call was being broadcast to all the youth to spread the message of the Church.

They were as follows: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Sydney 2008); “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith” (Madrid 2011); and “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Rio 2013).

While a reaffirmation of one’s beliefs and involvement with the Catholic Church was important, a duty to communicate those ideals was required to ensure the perpetuation of the faith.

This responsibility was also echoed in the personal testimony of Thuc Hoang, Youth Music Coordinator of the community and facilitator for the event.

Sharing his experiences at WYD and in his life of faith seemed to resonate with many of the pilgrims present.

It was interesting to hear how the next generation of disciples handled the challenges of applying the papal messages to their lives in a modern and ever-changing world.

After praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the attendees participated in a traditional Brazilian custom witnessed by some of the pilgrims who visited Rio.

Brazilian wish ribbons, which can be seen wrapping the gates of the church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador, were tied to each other’s wrists and a prayer said for each of the three knots fastened.

The evening concluded with some yummy, traditional Vietnamese dessert, as well as discussions about WYD Krakow 2016.

If you observe anyone with these ribbons still attached to the wrist, it is because the tradition states that these prayers are only answered if the ribbon falls off.

It was a great night had by all and invigorating to see the enthusiasm exhibited by the youth. Please pray for our next generation of disciples.