WYD pilgrims share their Madrid experience
 |
| Annalise O’Brien-Muller and Jay Pamintuan became engaged in Madrid during WYD Week and will be married on 16 June 2012. Photo: Alphonsus Fok & Grace Lu. |
Catholic Outlook, June 2012
The website for World Youth Day Rio 2013 is up and running with information for anyone who is thinking of joining the Parramatta to Rio pilgrimage.
In a gallery of videos on the site, pilgrims who have been to previous WYDs share their personal stories of how this event has changed their experience of their Catholic Faith.
 |
| Deacon Larry Tolentino |
Deacon Larry Tolentino
is a deacon at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes. This month, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP will ordain Larry a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta in St Patrick’s Cathedral on 29 June.
“After WYD Madrid I realised I have so much to share … I only needed the enlivening of the Holy Spirit in me to be able to share with people how good the Lord is and how WYD can transform one’s life,” Larry said.
Jay Pamintuan is a member of St Michael’s Parish, South Blacktown. In the lead-up to WYD Madrid 2011, Jay went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by Bishop Anthony Fisher OP.
“Thru the Holy Spirit I have fallen in love with Jesus once again. Through WYD I have come to know and understand I have a greater purpose in this Universal Church,” Jay said.
Annalise O’Brien-Muller is a member of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta, and an Event Manager with Catholic Youth Services, Sydney.
“WYD has encouraged me in my faith to know there is a huge community of young people out there who believe exactly what I do,” Annalise said.
 |
| Mei Loong |
Mei Loong
is from St Andrew’s Parish, Marayong, where she is a member of the parish youth group, Youthworks.
“WYD has challenged me to take on more responsibility; to learn more about my faith. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and to search for the answers. It’s a great experience that God is calling all young people to,” Mei said.
See these video stories and more at: www.parrawyd.org
Prayer for Parramatta to Rio pilgrims
World Youth Day Rio 2013
Heavenly Father,
You gave to your Son all authority in Heaven and on Earth.
After calling His disciples to the mountain in Galilee,
He commanded them to "Go and make disciples of all nations." We pray that those you are now calling
from the Diocese of Parramatta to the mountain in Rio de Janeiro, may discern Your voice and respond to it.
May they have a disciple's heart and be filled with love for one another,
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus,
Our compass and our guide,
raise up leaders for the journey
who will remain closely united to You, the True Vine,
and so bear much fruit,
Through the power of the Spirit. Amen.
Holy Spirit,
Paraclete and Counsellor,
Enlighten and direct all those involved in the organisation of the
World Youth Day pilgrimage.
We pray that their labour may yield a rich harvest,
To you Father with your Son be glory for ever. Amen.
Gracious God,
Help us to learn from the example of Our Lady to be true followers of her Son,
may her maternal heart guide and protect all those called to be
disciples of the New Evangelisation.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians – pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – pray for us.
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.
For all your WYD Rio 2013 news go to: www.parrawyd.org.au
« Return to news list