Faith, Formation & Mission

Mary arose and went with haste 

(Lk 1:39)

Dear Marian Community,

I thought I would use this newsletter article to reflect on the experiences that attending the World Youth Day Pilgrimage had for myself, Ms Polimeni and Miss Kobold. Something that the three of us can agree on is that words, photos or videos do not do what we encountered justice. My hope is that through this newsletter article, we can begin to shed light on what it meant to be selected for this faith filled experience. 

Firstly the language we need to understand is that this wasn't a holiday for us, this was a pilgrimage. The word pilgrimage is referring to a journey that a person takes often into an unknown or foreign place, where you go in search of meaning, personal transformation and to develop a deeper connection with faith. Personally, I can say that we all experienced all three elements that a pilgrimage offers to individuals. Our pilgrimage took us to Israel - where we walked in the footsteps of Jesus, Portugal - where we encountered the World Youth Day celebrations and Spain - For a retreat to deepen our understanding of experiences and reaffirm our relationship with faith. 

As Pope Benedict XVI defined pilgrimage: 

"To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God

where He has revealed Himself”.

Israel provided us with the opportunity to watch the Gospels come alive, as we set out on the pilgrimage of faith, we had the opportunity to retrace the progressive stages of the life and time of Jesus from his Nativity in Bethlehem to his Passion on Calvary. It was deeply moving as we beheld with our eyes what our minds for so long attempted to imagine.

The Israel pilgrimage highlights included:

• Paying homage in Bethlehem before the silver star that marks the very spot of Jesus’ birth
• Reflecting quietly at the Grotto cave of the Annunciation to honour Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God.
• Celebrating a breathtaking Mass in the centre of Lake Galilee onboard our traditional sailing vessel floating in silence and tranquillity.
• Engaging in inspired People & Plight encounters and be moved by their faith and resilience.
• Walking a hidden stretch of the authentic Jesus Trail through the mountain pass in Christ’s actual footsteps towards Lake Galilee.
• Entering as a group into a private gated Garden in Gethsemane for an extended time of prayer amidst ancient olive trees.
• Walking in Jesus’ footsteps as we pray the Stations of the Cross at dawn along the deserted Via Dolorosa streets in the Old City of Jerusalem.
• Bowing low at the altar of Calvary and touch the very rock where Jesus was crucified.
• Gathering for daily Masses around the most stunning Holy Sites of Sacred Scripture.

World Youth Day presented us with the bible quote (Mary arose and went with haste - Lk1:39) chosen by Pope Francis as the motto of the World Youth Day that was held for the first time in the capital city of Lisbon, Portugal. The biblical phrase (a quote from the Gospel of St. Luke) opens the account of the Visitation (Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth), a biblical episode following the Annunciation (the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, and the theme of the last WYD, in Panama).

During their conversation of the Annunciation, the angel also tells Mary that her older cousin, thought to be sterile, is pregnant. After affirming to the angel ” Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word ” (Lk 1:38), it is then that Mary sets out for Ain Karim, a village near Jerusalem where Elizabeth lived and was awaiting the birth of John, who would become Saint John the Baptist.

Mary of Nazareth is the great figure of the Christian journey. She teaches us to say yes to God. She was the protagonist of the last edition of WYD and will be so once again in Lisbon.

In the biblical episode of the Visitation, the action of standing up presents Mary as both a woman of charity and a missionary woman. Leaving in haste represents the attitude depicted in Pope Francis’ indications for WYD Lisbon 2023: may young people’s evangelisation be active and missionary, for this is how they will recognize and witness the presence of the living Christ.

Addressing young people in particular, and challenging them to be courageous missionaries, the following was written by the Pope in the Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit:  Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: he sends us everywhere. The Gospel is for everyone, not just for some  (CV 177).

The highlight of the World Youth Day encounter was experiencing Mass with 1.5 million other pilgrims from around the world. I believe that upon reflection of the homily from Pope Francis, the message he has for young people is vitally important for us all. 

The first word: to shine, so be radiant; then, listen in order not to take the wrong path; finally the third word: to be unafraid. Do not be afraid. We often find these words in the Bible, in the Gospels: “Do not be afraid”. These were the last words spoken by Jesus to the disciples at the moment of the Transfiguration: “Do not be afraid!” (Mt 17:7).

Pope Francis concluded his homily by stating the following:

As young people, you have experienced these days of joy – I was about to say of glory, and indeed our encounters have been a kind of glory. You have great dreams, but often fear that they may not come true; sometimes you think that you are not up to the challenge, which is a kind of pessimism that can overcome us at times. As young people, you may be tempted at this time to lose heart, to think you fall short, or to disguise your pain with a smile. As young people, you want to change the world – and it is very good that you want to change the world – you want to work for justice and peace. You devote all your life’s energy and creativity to this, but it still seems insufficient. Yet, the Church and the world need you, the young, as much as the earth needs rain. To all of you, dear young people, who are the present and the future, yes to all of you, Jesus now says: “Have no fear”, “Do not be afraid!”.

Now, in a brief moment of silence, each of you repeat these words, in your own heart: “Do not be afraid!”

Dear young people, I would like to look into the eyes of each of you and say: Do not be afraid. I will tell you something else, also very beautiful: it is no longer I, but Jesus himself who is now looking at you. He knows each of your hearts, each of your lives; he knows your joys, your sorrows, your successes and failures. He knows your heart. Today, he says to you, here in Lisbon, at this World Youth Day: “Have no fear, take heart, do not be afraid!”.

Our final leg of the pilgrimage took us to Avila in Spain for our retreat post World Youth Day. The purpose of a spiritual retreat is to contemplate the purpose and motives of the encounters we experienced throughout our time in Israel and Portugal. The retreat was to help us develop an understanding of how we were going to put into practice all that we had learned and experienced. I believe for myself, Ms Polimeni and Miss Kobold this is going to be the most important thing. How we look to share our experiences in order to help create a community of evangelisation and to help students and staff of our Marian community to deepen their connection with faith. 

Words from Miss Kobold about her experience:

Before attending this pilgrimage I wanted to deepen and affirm my faith and I was excited about the opportunity to do this alongside like-minded people. During our formation days leading up to the trip, I was able to see that this experience was something that I didn’t know I needed. I became more open to spiritual experiences and was ready to bring back a wealth of knowledge to share with staff and Students.  

It is hard to put into words what was experienced on our trip. It was a surreal opportunity that will be something I cherish for a lifetime. During our time in Israel, it was an eye-opening experience that provided both a cultural and spiritual shock. This however was a good shock. Being able to see so many sites from the Bible and listen to these verses in the places where they happened created a very special experience that I do not feel can be explained fully. It was also interesting to see how many other cultures live and make their income, encountering different foods, and local markets and learning about the culture first-hand was such a fulfilling experience. For me the standout experience during WYD in Portugal was the moments during the Vigil mass at World Youth Day when 1.5 million people sat in complete silence and were so present in the adoration experience, It is hard to describe the feelings I had during this but I can remember thinking this is incredible that no matter what background or country these people were from they were all here for the same reason as me and because of that It felt so special. 

During our final days in Spain and upon returning home I have contemplated how I can share with others all that I have seen and learnt. To answer this question simply I feel like it will be in the confidence to talk about my faith and these experiences that I will help show the MCC community how I was moved by this pilgrimage. It has already been so wonderful to start sharing small details with some of my classes and with staff and I am very excited to continue to do this when possible. 

Miss Kobold

Words from Ms Polimeni about her experience:

A Sacred Pilgrimage: Nurturing Faith and Encountering God Across Continents

A journey of the heart, mind, and spirit. Our recent pilgrimage through Jordan, The Holy Land, Portugal, and Spain has left me overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude and awe. This journey was not only a physical voyage but a transformative experience that has left an indelible mark on my soul, expanding my horizons, enriching my knowledge, and deepening my connection with God. 

The decision to embark on this pilgrimage was born from a deep desire to nurture my own spiritual growth, enrich my knowledge, and equip myself to guide my students on a path of profound connection with their faith. I yearned to step beyond the classroom and textbook, to encounter the living history of Christianity in its most sacred sites, and to walk in the footsteps of Christ himself. Little did I know how significantly these objectives would be met.

Throughout the pilgrimage, I was blessed with moments of profound significance that touched my heart and soul. Walking in the footsteps of Christ was a journey that transcended mere words. Standing in the very locations where the Nativity unfolded, where His childhood was nurtured, where His transformative ministry touched lives, where the Crucifixion brought salvation, and where the Ascension crowned His earthly mission, each step breathed life into the Gospel narratives. The humble manger in Bethlehem spoke of divine humility, the stillness of the Sea of Galilee placed us in the very awe of His miracle, the Via Dolorosa resonated with solemn reverence, the Mount of Olives revealed an overwhelming beauty, and each site became a vivid tableau of the profound love and sacrifice that lie at the heart of my faith.

But it wasn't just the physical locations that left a lasting impact. It was the shared moments of prayer with fellow pilgrims, the heartfelt conversations with local communities, and the quiet introspection during moments of solitude that truly opened my heart to the mystical power of pilgrimage. Each step felt like a conversation with God, an invitation to draw closer to His presence, and a reminder of the deep spiritual connection that binds us all.

A highlight that will forever resonate within me is the awe-inspiring experience of World Youth Day. Being amidst 1.5 million pilgrims from every corner of the globe, all united by a shared belief, was a testament to the universality and resilience of our faith. The palpable energy, the fervent prayers, and the vibrant cultural tapestry woven together by our common devotion were a vivid representation of the beauty of global unity. Being within arm's reach of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he drove through the crowd is one that plays over in my mind. As his words resonated through the crowd, they penetrated my heart with a profound sense of purpose. His guidance and encouragement directed towards the youth stirred a deep commitment within me to nurture the spiritual growth of the young minds entrusted to my care.

Another pivotal point in this journey was visiting the sacred grounds of Fatima. Standing where Our Lady appeared to the young shepherds, I felt an undeniable connection to the divine. The atmosphere was charged with reverence, and I sensed the presence of something far greater than myself. This encounter further solidified my conviction to convey the significance of such sacred places to my students, to instil in them a deep respect for the manifestations of faith that have shaped our history.

As my pilgrimage drew to a close, I found myself in the retreat experience of Avila, Spain, the home of St. Teresa of Avila. Here, amid the quiet serenity of this ancient town, I felt a profound connection with the spiritual legacy of this remarkable saint. Walking the same streets she once trod, visiting the convent where she shaped her teachings, and reflecting in the places that inspired her mystical experiences, I was humbled by the weight of her profound faith and courage. It was a retreat of introspection and renewal, a time to absorb the lessons of a spiritual giant and integrate them into my own journey.

Returning to the College, I hope to infuse all that I do with renewed purpose and vitality. This pilgrimage has strengthened my resolve to guide young minds toward a deeper understanding of their faith, and it has enriched my own relationship with God in ways I could never have anticipated. As I share my experiences, I hope to ignite a spark of curiosity and reverence in my students and in College staff, allowing them to embark on their own spiritual journeys with open hearts and a profound sense of wonder.

Ms Polimeni

We return to the Wagga Wagga Diocese and Marian Catholic College having encountered Jesus, renewed in our commitment to our Faith and ready to share our journey. On behalf of Ms Polimeni, Miss Kobold and myself I would like to thank Marian Catholic College in supporting our applications to attend this pilgrimage. A further appreciation and thank you goes out to the staff members at Marian who covered classes and/or filled positions whilst we were away. Without the support of the College, experiences such as this are not possible. We hope that we can repay your kindness through all that we look implement and shape within the College and community. 

I leave you with the words of Pope Francis:

“Have no fear, take heart, do not be afraid!”.

Yours in faith,

Mr Abdala

Leader of Faith, Formation and Mission