About 120 young people from a host of different nationalities came together recently for a Youth Festival at St Mark’s Parish, Inala in Brisbane to celebrate Mission Day and deepen their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
Parish Priest, Fr Stephen Pilly SVD says the multicultural nature of the St Mark’s congregation and his own personal experience of leading a group to World Youth Day in Brazil last year prompted him to hold the Youth Festival.
“Seeing many youngsters from different nationalities in the parish inspired me to call the youth together to work for God and the Church,” he says.
“I am so passionate about youth always, in my priestly ministry and my experience of World Youth Day in Brazil last year always reminds me to bring the youth to Jesus.
“Also, as Divine Word priests, we always celebrate Mission Day in our communities and parishes, so this was a great opportunity to bring young people and mission together.”
The young people who attended the Festival were aged from 15 to 25 and came from St Mark’s, as well as the SVD-administered parish of St Maximilian Kolbe in Marsden, and young people from other neighbouring parishes.
They were treated to a presentation from Fr Jacob Kavunkal SVD on “Called to be Disciples of Christ”, in view of Pope Francis’ letter, Joy of the Gospel. Vocations Director Fr Elmer Ibarra SVD shared his vocations story, as did Sr Iva SSpS and James and Gabby, a married couple. SVD Mission Secretary, Fr Truc Quoc Phan also shared about the charism of SVD mission in the world. Other SVD priests and the Provincial of the SSpS sisters, Sr Saritha Kurikattil and other Holy Spirit sisters joined the celebration.
The day culminated with a multicultural youth mass, celebrated creatively with all parishioners, followed by a shared dinner.
“The young people organised music and a concert, and it was wonderful,” Fr Stephen says.
“The parishioners and the youth were so pleased with the celebration. I am very grateful to all the Divine Word Missionaries who participated in the celebration.”