Above: Pilgrims line up for a feed during their stay at St Elizabeth’s Church in Dandenong North.By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong’s Catholic churches have praised World Youth Day in Sydney for reigniting an interest in spirituality.
Pilgrims from all Catholic parishes attended the World Youth Day in Sydney, with local priests and parishioners applauding its impact on Australian lives.
Father Paschal Corby from Springvale’s St Joseph’s Catholic Church, who attended part of the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney, said the process would be long-term, but it had worked.
“I am hopeful it will have that effect, because in Germany and Canada where the previous two World Youth Days have been held, they’ve experienced a revitalisation of the church,” he said.
“It’s not immediate, but it continues to have an influence, so yes, I am hopeful that it has put Catholicism in the mainstream and will encourage some young people to see that it is a valid option.”
Fr Corby said his parish had a high number of young people attending, but support for the church had always been strong in Springvale.
Wilson Fernandez from the St Elizabeth’s in Dandenong North said his church had been hosting young pilgrims from around the world, with church-goers offering spare rooms in their homes for the pilgrims as they made their way to Sydney.
“Approximately 38 families came forward to let beds and support for the pilgrims,” Mr Fernandez said.
“Veronica Pedrola was the Melbourne Stay coordinator who assisted and did a fantastic job.
“In total, St Elizabeth’s hosted 78 pilgrims.”
Father Anthony Guelen from St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dandenong said he hoped World Youth Day had encouraged people to lead a more Christian life, not just attend church.
“Don’t think that everyone who goes to a church is perfect,” he said.
“Going to church itself is not enough – you have to live a Christian life.
“If a husband goes to church on a Sunday but is too lazy to work and look after his family, then it doesn’t mean he is a good Christian.”
Fr Corby said he was pleased to see Pope Benedict XVI apologise to victims of child sex abuse by church clergy in the past.
“I think it was a necessary move,” he said.
“Although the church here in Australia has been quite proactive in facing the issue, and I think the Melbourne Archdiocese introduced one of the first protocols dealing with such complaints, it definitely helps the healing process to have the leader of the universal church apologising.
“It’s healing not only for those who have been hurt by such tragedy, but healing for the rest of the church as well.”
