Catholic youth gathering a huge success
"In a very real way we are gathered here because we believe that the work which God began with Mary, has not ended."
ALMOST 4000 young Catholic men and women from throughout Southern Africa gathered in Durban’s Exhibition Centre for an intensive four-day event to celebrate their Christianity, community and unity while experiencing the theme chosen by Pope Francis, of young people, faith and vocations.
The aim for the four-day formal gathering was to bring together young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 years from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Young people from all walks of life, representing different cultures, different languages and different geographical locations came together to deepen their faith and to be encouraged to become more active, thoughtful, engaging and caring global citizens.
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In his opening address, Archbishop of Durban, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFM said: “The essence of World Youth Day is young people being chosen, called and sent to be missionary evangelists to each other first in this intense retreat, during which they testify to each other how God is inspiring them, giving them a deeper insight into what “the Almighty has done”, and what that demands so that they may in their turn declare: Holy is his Name.”
There were community engagement; prayerful activities; discussion groups and pilgrimages. The carefully-curated programme married informative sessions (such as testimonies, lessons and presentations by environmental, anti-human trafficking and drug awareness activists); with time of faith and retrospection (including daily Holy Mass, Catechetical sessions, a specially adapted staging of the Stations of the Cross and an all-night vigil); with lively cultural and musical activities.
“In a very real way we are gathered here because we believe that the work which God began with Mary, has not ended. God is making the same call to young people of Mary’s age. He is telling them that it is now their turn to discover their deeper calling, to do so using the gift of faith. That calling is to see witnesses living their faith, rather than preachers who tell others what they should do,” he said.
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By the end of the event, Napier was buoyant: “It was a hugely successful few days. Mini World Youth Day was a great dream, a real dream – it was well worthwhile! The young pilgrims had a wonderful time in Durban, but hopefully have left seeing very different points of view, knowing that something has changed inside of them. They will have heard testimonies to strengthen their faith, and benefitted from spending time in the adoration chapel and at confession. It is Rage season in KZN so I am especially affirmed that so many young people chose to be here instead. It is a measure of their faith and commitment.”
A World Youth Day has not yet taken place on African soil. The Mini version this weekend, was to give African Catholics a taste of the global event.
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