Monday July 14, 2008

Today begins the real program of events for us for WYD week. This morning, a group of 10 (from 7 different countries: Australia, Tonga, Western Samoa, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the United States) headed out to the shrine of Blessed Mary MacKillop for an Aboriginal Mass. It began with a smokeout, which is an Aboriginal rite of purification. The texts of the Mass were written specifically for use with the Aboriginal community & focused very much on God’s presence in nature. They also incorporated sung refrains throughout the Mass. During the singing of the Alleluia, the book of the Gospels came up in procession, accompanied by an Aboriginal message stick, which was placed by the ambo. For our Little Sisters who have been in Kalgoorlie, it took them back to their time with the Aboriginal people there. For the rest of us, it was a unique experience that we may never have the chance to participate in again.

After Mass the Sisters of St. Joseph invited us over for a snack. We were joined by the priest who said Mass & a priest from the United States, both Blessed Sacrament Fathers. The priest from the States is stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has been to our home in Gallup. Sr. Ann, our guide, took us outside to see the original cottage given to Mary MacKillop to begin her work, and an exhibit on the work of the Sisters today.

Our group of 10 split into 3 smaller groups to go to a press conference, for a visit to the Cathedral & some of us to return home. This evening we will attend the gathering of French pilgrims at the Convention Center and join a gathering of Canadian university students at the Cathedral. There won’t be a dull moment from here on out! God bless.