World Youth Day 2008

World Youth Day and Days in the Diocese at Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre

During the three weeks that comprised Days in the Diocese and World Youth Day, the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre was host to well over a thousand pilgrim visitors and home to a number of Church leaders from overseas.

Our pilgrim visitors from Brazil, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Spain, France, Italy, South Africa, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Mexico, Vietnam, Peru, Hawaii, Guam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philipines were able to experience the inspiring exhibition in the Mary MacKillop Museum and the wonderful hospitality of the Josephite Sisters.

Many of our visitors have taken a momento of their visit to the Centre back home to their country of origin. 

All have left with an increased awareness and knowledge of the vision and life of Blessed Mary MacKillop and the continuation of her work by the Sisters of St Joseph in the 21st century.  On returning to their countries they have promised to promote Mary's cause among the people.

The faith of these young pilgrims was quite inspiring given their ability to use music, song and dance to express their love of God, while also expressing their deep devotion through prayer and the Eucharistic celebration. 

The Chapel at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre became a place of relfection, prayer and Mass for many of the pilgrim groups.  Their excitment for and commitment to their religion was awe inspiring.