Dave Burke, Director of Youth Ministry reflects from Sydney to Speakers corner…

I write this article after returning from our Westminster World Youth Day reunion which was held in Hyde Park. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet again with our pilgrims – has it really been a year since World Youth Day?.- and to spend some time sharing and reflecting on our time together in Sydney. What struck me instantly was that despite how impressive and enjoyable the main World Youth Day events were, what had stuck in the minds of our young people and left an indelible mark wasn’t the grand events but in fact the smaller incidents along the way; the generosity of the host families who greeted us from the airport, meeting with other young catholics from around the world on the walks to the World Youth Day events, and yes even, the long long (did I say long?) hours waiting in Auckland airport. These small seemingly insignificant points, made World Youth Day such a blessed occasion for us all. In evidence too was the readiness of our young people to pick up where they had left off, continuing the sharing and reflection begun half way round the world. It’s all so remarkable given the diversity of their backgrounds.

Basking in the Saturday sun, conversations naturally focused on what our pilgrims have done since. A significant number have just completed either sixth form or university exams and the intense revision that goes with them. For many of them it’s a time of uncertainty for having had so much to do and organise, to a time of anxiety with results awaited. What to do next?

At the heart of our Christian life is the concept of journeying and pilgrimage. We will never arrive, and there will always be questions, until we come face to face with God. Making that journey alone is one thing but travelling with others, with the chance to share and grow is friendship is another.

You may not have had the chance to go to Sydney and World Youth Day 2011 (Madrid) may seem a long way off. However there are many opportunities to go on pilgrimage both here at home and overseas. In August, Bishop John Arnold will lead a young adult pilgrimage to Taize. Pilgrimages don’t have to be far off, or expensive, but do offer a good opportunity for young people to have some time to share, reflect and relax with God. The chance to discover more about ourselves and maybe the next part of our life pilgrimage.  

So if you are aged 18-30 why not consider coming on a ‘holiday with a difference’ and join other young Adults (18-30s) from around the Diocese on pilgrimage to Taize, France. Taize is a unique Christian Community where you could meet with other young people from Westminster diocese and from around the world. For further details, contact me on 020 7798 9357 or  Email:davidburke@rcdow.org.uk 

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