COMPASS become involved in an immersion pro- search projects in direct response to the new gram and attend the Tantur spirituality evangelisation agenda. program in Jerusalem each year. YOUNG PILGRIMS • Revising the current Accreditation pro- Conclusion gram to introduce provisional accredi- tation for newly appointed RE teachers Restoring the city of Venice is a never-ending In Search of Treasure Ancient and New and leaders. story; the advances in technology and human ANTHONY CLEARY • The appointment of jointly funded and ingenuity are being constantly pitted against shared School/Parish Pastoral Associates. the eroding influence of climate change and human indifference. Similarly Catholic schools HE RECENT beatification of the late lieved that they were in fact yearning for the Beyond 2011: Other Strategic Priorities in Tasmania need to be totally committed to John Paul II provides an oppor- transcendent and desiring a relationship with an ongoing process of School Improvement tunity to once again reflect, not just on God. The Catholic Education system in Tasmania that has at its centre the constant strengthen- T his own personal witness to the Gospel, but In April 1984 over 300,000 young people recognises that the Call to New Evangelisa- ing and revitalisation of the pillars and struc- on the very nature and significance of his pon- descended upon Rome in response to an invi- tion project is simply work ‘in-progress’. tures that underpin a vibrant Catholic ethos. tificate. tation from the Pope to come to the eternal Many other supporting beams need to be de- The challenge of new evangelisation requires In light of his regular and extensive trav- city for a youth jubilee to mark the end of the veloped in order to strengthen and reaffirm the a heightened awareness on the part of Catho- els John Paul II was often described as the Holy Year of Redemption. The magnitude of Catholic identity of the school communities. lic schools that they now minister within a very ‘Pilgrim Pope’. He was acutely aware of the the response, and the euphoria and solidarity At the time of writing a variety of further is- different and rapidly changing social milieu. contemporary revival of the ancient practice of the young people shocked both civil and sues are under consideration. Major initiatives If the beauty and richness of Catholic Educa- of pilgrimage, especially amongst the young, religious authorities alike. The occasion was include: investigating parish based child-care tion is to be sustained it is simply not suffi- and he saw it as a source of deep spiritual sig- enormously satisfying for the pope, who had provision in disadvantaged areas; strengthen- cient to ‘paint over the cracks’. Rather schools nificance. At Santiago de Compostela (1989), a longstanding trust in and conviction about ing formation programs for School Boards and system authorities need to periodically ‘lift which over the centuries has drawn countless the religious commitment and potential of particularly with respect to Catholic ethos; up the building’, strengthen the enduring foun- thousands of Christian pilgrims along the El young people. He remarked: developing a Charter for Parents which focuses dations and insert innovative scaffolding that Camino Way, he implored young people to What a marvelous spectacle this assembly on the tripartite relationship between parish, is responsive to the mission of evangelisation experience pilgrimage ‘as a way to interior makes. Who says the youth of today have lost school and families; and supporting action re- in a contemporary world. renewal, to a deepening of faith, a strengthen- their sense of value? Well, I say that the experi- ing of the sense of communion and solidarity REFERENCES ence of these days—a great and consoling ex- with your brothers and sisters and as a help in perience of solidarity, fraternity and courage in Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland. lications. discovering your personal vocation.’ the open profession of faith—is already in it- (1983) The Code of Canon Law in English Trans- Holohan, G.J. (1999) Australian Religious Educa- An initiative of the late Pope, World Youth self an answer to these questions and a nega- lation. Sydney, NSW: Collins Liturgical Publica- tion – Facing the Challenges, Canberra, ACT: tion of these doubts. tions. National Catholic Education Commission. Day is underpinned by the ancient practice Libreria Editrice Vaticana. (1997) Catechism of the John Paul II (2001a) . of pilgrimage and since its very inception par- It was from the Youth Jubilee, aptly titled Catholic Church (2nded.). Homebush, NSW: St Strathfield, NSW: St Paul’s Publications. ticipants have been described as pilgrims. It ‘Festival of Hope’, that the vision of World Youth Paul’s Publications. John Paul II (1991) Redemptor missio. Homebush, has become the largest regular gathering of Day was born. In a very real sense the birth of Congregation for Catholic Education (2007) The NSW: St Paul’s Publications. young people in the world. In pioneering the coincided with the birth of the Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools. (Aus- Paul VI (1976) Evangelii Nuntiandi. Homebush, concept of World Youth Day, Pope John Paul ‘new evangelisation’, a concept which accord- tralian Edition). Strathfield, NSW: St Paul’s Pub- NSW: St Paul’s Publications. II was extremely mindful of St Augustine’s ing to Rymarz (2010, p.24) was to become a leit- NOTES words, ‘You have made us for yourself, O motif of John Paul II’s pontificate. A year earlier 1 The theological reflections developed by Mrs ritory, even those established or directed by mem- God, and our hearts are restless until they find the Pope had urged Church leaders to Helen Healy (Head of Mission & RE) and Dr bers of religious institutes. He also has the right their rest in you’ (Confessions, Chapter 1), reconceptualise and renew their approaches to Drasko Dizdar (‘Theologian in Residence’) are to issue directives concerning the general regula- and their particular relevance to young peo- evangelization, believing that a commitment to particularly acknowledged and have been incorpo- tion of Catholic schools; those directives apply also ple. Despite a plethora of research to suggest renewal was vitally necessary, especially in light rated within this paper. to schools conducted by members of a religious that a growing number were abandoning ‘in- of changing social and cultural contexts and 2 Canon 806: The diocesan Bishop has the right to institute, although they retain their autonomy in stitutional religion’, rejecting the core prin- growing indifference to the Gospel message. In watch over and inspect Catholic schools in his ter- the internal management of their schools. ciples and teachings of religious traditions order to respond adequately to the emerging chal- Reprinted with permission from Anne Benjamin and Dan Riley (eds.), (2008) and questioning the existence of God, he be- lenges and to be truly effective in her missionary Catholic Schools. Hope in Uncertain Times, John Garratt Publishing.

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activity the Church required an evangelization Anthony Cleary is the which was to be ‘new in its ardour, its methods Director of Religious and its expression.’ Education and John Paul II was acutely aware that a reju- Evangelisation for the venation of faith and Christian identity within Catholic Education western societies like Australia was largely Office, Sydney. Anthony is currently researching dependent upon the Church’s capacity to reach the impact of World out to and actively engage young people in Youth Day on young the life of the Church. His view was that they Australians as the were especially vulnerable to becoming de- subject of doctoral tached from the Gospel message, and becom- studies. ing absorbed into a cultural milieu which was increasingly indifferent, and at times hostile, While some of the international gatherings to Christian life and values. To this end he saw have been held in cities which are renowned that renewed enthusiasm and innovation was places of pilgrimage (Santiago de Compostela required to attract and engage young people, 1989, Czestochowa 1991, Rome 2000) other and offset the prevailing culture. The World World Youth Days have been conducted in Youth Day phenomenon epitomizes the modern cities with no obvious religious ap- Church’s efforts for the ‘new evangelisation’. peal (Denver 1993, Toronto 2002, Sydney It is unprecedented and unparalleled as an 2008). Irrespective of it being a place of the approach to young people in its energy, inno- sacred or the secular, hundreds of thousands vation and dynamism. of young people, and on occasions several Properly understood, the ‘new evangeliza- million, have made the journey to unite as part tion’ is Christocentric in nature and purpose. of the universal Church at World Youth Day, It seeks to enable an encounter with Christ and which at its heart is a pilgrimage of faith. a deepening of relationship with him. The Despite the great distances, young Austral- Church affirms that this experience of encoun- ians have made the journey so as to be repre- ter can be the catalyst for a profound transfor- sented at every international World Youth Day. mation, especially for those who have not They have travelled as members of ecclesial closed themselves off totally from Christ groups and movements, with parishes and ( # 68). schools, and with family and friends. Others While young people’s perception and im- have made the journey alone. Compared to their age of God is extremely diverse and deeply European and North American counterparts the personalized, the Church hopes that their ex- sacrifices of their pilgrimage are far greater, perience of the transcendent at World Youth especially in regard to the cost and duration of Day will be an encounter with Christ. Pope their travel. It may well be that in overcoming John Paul II (1996) defined that ‘the principal the inconveniences associated with Australia’s objective of World Youth Day is to focus the ‘tyranny of distance’, and in meeting hardships faith and life of every young person on the along the way, a common bond and identity is person of Jesus Christ so that Jesus may be forged between Australian pilgrims. These their constant point of reference’. This shared experiences perhaps help distinguish the Christocentric emphasis is reflected in the prin- young Australians as ‘pilgrims’ rather than ‘tour- cipal writings associated with World Youth ists’, and may well suggest that the true signifi- Day, the themes that have been chosen, as well cance of World Youth Day lies beyond the key as the homilies and addresses given by both events of World Youth Day week, further rein- Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI at forcing the well-worn adage that ‘the journey the various international gatherings. is as important as the destination’.

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We are a pilgrim people of a Pilgrim gious identity. This is particularly true of young Church and throughout the history of Christi- people who travel in unprecedented numbers anity pilgrimage has developed as a religious to historic landmarks and places of national and cultural phenomenon. Sites associated significance, especially the battlefields which with the life of Christ and places with a tangi- have helped shape the national identity and ble connection to saints, or renowned for ap- psyche—Gallipoli, the Western Front and the paritions, have become centres of spiritual sig- Kokoda Trail. While not ostensibly religious nificance and renewal. They include Jerusa- these sites are very much considered to be sa- lem, Bethlehem, Rome, Santiago de cred places by the young who journey there. Compostela, Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe. They are able to connect with the past and The custom and practice of pilgrimage, how- appreciate the legacy to which they are heirs. ever, pre-dates the Christian story and extends Paradoxically, while contemporary society beyond the practices of the Christian Tradi- promotes a culture of unbridled individualism tion and the other Abrahamic Faiths. It has many young peoples’ search for identity and deep anthropological roots, going to the heart meaning comes from their being drawn into of our humanness and our relationship with deeper relationship with others. God. The ‘longing’ identified by St Augustine When visiting Anzac Cove many young is common to all people according to Gabriel Australians speak of ‘very special and emo- Marcel (1945), who coined the term homo tional moments’, and their admiration for the viator to describe our ever searching relation- heroism and sacrifice shown by soldiers as ship with God. young as themselves. A clear sense of empa- Symbolic of the Christian life, ‘pilgrimage’ thy is evoked from being present at the very represents the deepest longings of the human site itself, a point attested to by a pilgrim this heart. According to Br John of Taizé pilgrim- year in the Turkish newspaper, Today’s Zaman: age is ‘consonant with a thirst for communion Coming to Gallipoli is a rite of passage … be- with God and with each other’ (1984, p.388). cause you witness what they actually felt, wit- Seemingly innate to human nature is the de- ness the actual conditions, such as the cold sire for connectedness and solidarity with oth- weather, and lie on the soil where soldiers have ers. Catholic anthropologist Victor Turner fought and died. … [It] makes it a whole lot (1972) identified that satisfaction of this long- more special than attending dawn services back ing comes through the experience of home. communitas, as he termed it, which can emerge While representing a physical journey, pil- at large gatherings, especially those which are grimage more profoundly represents an inner religious in nature or are underpinned by ritual. journey of change and growth, often spiritual. Such gatherings are inherently communal and If properly travelled it enables a metanoia or collective and are characterized by high lev- conversion of heart, where attitudes and per- els of enthusiasm, feelings of euphoria and the ceptions are changed and where life is viewed strong sensation of interpersonal connection and lived differently. But do all pilgrims truly between participants. This experience, and the experience this metanoia, or even seek to? new-found level of consciousness which ac- Antier suggests that while a highly motivated companies it, is deeply satisfying, fulfilling an nucleus of people go to holy places seeking innermost human need, a melding of selves. some special grace or conversion experience While diversifying as a phenomenon from ‘the majority go on pilgrimages to discover its traditional religious roots, the practice of something different, but more from outside ‘pilgrimage’ is on the rise in contemporary than from within’ (1984, p.370). society, especially as a means of expressing In recent years several attempts have been and forging national, cultural, social and reli- made to categorise and describe the typical

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group types drawn to World Youth Day and The watershed moment for the ‘local sive heat of Rome (2000), the sudden sunburst World Youth Day experience. Furthermore, its associated pilgrimages (Allen, 2007; Church’ came in July 2008 when Sydney during the Final Mass in Toronto (2002) and their description of God was couched in Rymarz, 2007 & 2008; Mason, Singleton & hosted World Youth Day XXIII. With this welcoming the new ‘Pope’ in his homeland at ‘Trinitarian’ terms, and repeated reference was Webber, 2008). While many are deeply com- came an unprecedented awareness of the event Cologne (2005), however without fail they also made to Jesus, the one to whom they prayed mitted to their faith, fiercely loyal to the Holy for all Australians, both young and old alike; recounted their pilgrimage, especially those and modeled their lives on. In identifying Father and the Church’s Tradition, others are and for all Catholics, for those actively com- who journeyed through the Holy Land. One World Youth Day events that they considered motivated by a sense of spiritual renewal, de- mitted to their faith, for those only occasion- pilgrim, obviously well-read, quoted Robert important, and which were of particular ap- sirous of a new-found grace. Others again are ally involved with their parish community and Louis Stevenson in reflecting on her journey peal and interest, the school-aged pilgrims searching, impelled by curiosity, unsure as to even for those who disassociate themselves through Galilee: ‘there are times and places named religious, as well as cultural and social what they will discover. As with all pilgrim- from all things seemingly religious. where the past becomes more vivid than the occasions. ages, both religious and secular, the journey In August this year hundreds of thousands present, and the memory dominates the ear and At a time when growing numbers of young to World Youth Day has no ‘atypical pilgrim’. of pilgrims will gather in Madrid, Spain to the eye.’ people set out for World Youth Day an oppor- Rather, evidence suggests that there a number celebrate World Youth Day XXVI. Among A number of the older pilgrims also em- tunity exists to help them see the true nature of distinct groupings, each in-turn motivated them will be the largest ever contingent of phasized the critical importance of formation and purpose of pilgrimage, and to distinguish by an amalgam of factors. Australian pilgrims, many still buoyed by the in preparation for World Youth Day and its it from mere ‘religious tourism’. While we are One might hypothesise however that those joyous enthusiasm and infectious spirit of Syd- associated pilgrimages, citing that ‘one must each naturally drawn to the unknown and to who consciously make the decision to register ney’s very own World Youth Day. Prior to July have an open mind and open heart to get the places of beauty, pilgrimages enable moments as pilgrims for World Youth Day are 2008 many Australians were oblivious to these most out of it and to fully appreciate where of encounter, like that experienced by the two proactively seeking an opportunity to experi- great international Catholic gatherings, and at one is going.’ disciples on their journey to Emmaus; ‘Did not ence the transcendent or further deepen their times, only a few ‘diehard pilgrims’ made the By contrast, the school-aged pilgrims are our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on relationship with God. It is, according to Pope great trek to a distant host city. Today how- less connected with Church, but they are by the road?’ (Luke 24:32). Ultimately, it is this Benedict XVI, a time of deep spiritual renewal ever there is unprecedented interest amongst no means disaffected or indifferent to the Gos- encounter that all pilgrims seek, as they re- when ‘young pilgrims are filled with the de- young Australians, many eager to accept the pel message. Their interviews were generally spond to the deepest yearnings of the heart. sire to pray, to be nourished by Word and Sac- Pope’s invitation to join together with the characterized by genuine enthusiasm for World For the true pilgrim, their journey is a sign rament, to be transformed by the Holy Spirit’ youth of the world. It is anticipated that some Youth Day and a heightened sense of antici- of their ‘hungering for God’, a hungering (2007). four thousand will make the journey, which pation. Many looked forward to the opportu- which Pope Benedict XVI reminded us of at Irrespective of one’s particular view, the Pope John Paul II believed ‘builds bridges of nity of travelling to places they had only ever the World Youth Day Vigil in Sydney, 2008: World Youth Day phenomenon has had a pro- fellowship and hope between continents, peo- read about, especially with close friends and There are times when we might be tempted to found impact upon young Catholics, the way ples and cultures’ (1996). peers. Without exception, all of the school seek a certain fulfillment apart from God … but they see and express their faith, and the way * * * aged pilgrims affirmed their belief in God and where does this lead? … God is with us in the in which they engage in the life of the Church. many expressed the hope that their relation- In recent weeks I have interviewed a reality of life, not the fantasy! It is embrace, not In the early years of World Youth Day this was ship with God would be strengthened by the number of the pilgrims bound for Spain. It is escape, we seek! especially true for young people from Europe apparent that their reasons for going are many and North America. With the passing of time and varied. Typically, the older pilgrims are REFERENCES and greater promotion locally, increasing num- more deeply committed to their faith and regu- bers of young Australians have been drawn to Allen, J. 2007. ‘The Triumph of Evangelical Ca- p.56). larly attend Mass. Many belong to particular the great international gathering. tholicism’, National Catholic Reporter, August 31: John Paul II. 1989. Message of John Paul II to the ecclesial groups and movements and actively The potential and significance of World pp.12-14. Youth of the World on the Occasion of the III World lead or contribute to youth ministry within their Youth Day was highlighted in Ecclesia in Antier, J. 1984. ‘Pilgrimages in France: Religious Youth Day 1990. Accessed from http:// local parish. Their commitment to World Youth Oceania: Tourism or Faith in Action’, Lumen Vitae (39): pp. www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/mes- Day is evidenced by their willingness to take sages/youth/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_26111989_v- In many places youth pilgrimages are a posi- 370-373. world-youth-day_en.html tive feature of the Christian life of young Catho- leave from work or university and to take on Benedict XVI. 2007. General Audience, 4 July John Paul II. 1983. ‘The Task of the Latin Ameri- lics. Pilgrimage has long been part of the Chris- part-time work to fund the journey. For many, 2007.Accessed from http://www.vatican.va/ can Bishops’, Origins (12) pp. 659-662. tian life in conferring a sense of identity and this will not be their first pilgrimage to World holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2007/docu- John Paul II. 1984. Second meeting with partici- belonging. The Synod Fathers recognized the Youth Day, a number making the journey each ments/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20070704_en.html pants in the Youth Jubilee. A Festival of Hope: importance of World Youth Day as an opportu- time since the great gathering in Paris (1997). Benedict XVI. 2008. Vigil with Young People. Go Youth Jubilee in Rome. Pontifical Council for the nity for young people to experience genuine In the interviews some cited particular memo- Forth Now: Renew the Face of the Earth. (Homebush, NSW: St Paul Publications, 2009, Laity, p.154. communion. (#44) ries of World Youth Day, including the oppres-

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sive heat of Rome (2000), the sudden sunburst World Youth Day experience. Furthermore, during the Final Mass in Toronto (2002) and their description of God was couched in welcoming the new ‘Pope’ in his homeland at ‘Trinitarian’ terms, and repeated reference was Cologne (2005), however without fail they also made to Jesus, the one to whom they prayed recounted their pilgrimage, especially those and modeled their lives on. In identifying who journeyed through the Holy Land. One World Youth Day events that they considered pilgrim, obviously well-read, quoted Robert important, and which were of particular ap- Louis Stevenson in reflecting on her journey peal and interest, the school-aged pilgrims through Galilee: ‘there are times and places named religious, as well as cultural and social where the past becomes more vivid than the occasions. present, and the memory dominates the ear and At a time when growing numbers of young the eye.’ people set out for World Youth Day an oppor- A number of the older pilgrims also em- tunity exists to help them see the true nature phasized the critical importance of formation and purpose of pilgrimage, and to distinguish in preparation for World Youth Day and its it from mere ‘religious tourism’. While we are associated pilgrimages, citing that ‘one must each naturally drawn to the unknown and to have an open mind and open heart to get the places of beauty, pilgrimages enable moments most out of it and to fully appreciate where of encounter, like that experienced by the two one is going.’ disciples on their journey to Emmaus; ‘Did not By contrast, the school-aged pilgrims are our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on less connected with Church, but they are by the road?’ (Luke 24:32). Ultimately, it is this no means disaffected or indifferent to the Gos- encounter that all pilgrims seek, as they re- pel message. Their interviews were generally spond to the deepest yearnings of the heart. characterized by genuine enthusiasm for World For the true pilgrim, their journey is a sign Youth Day and a heightened sense of antici- of their ‘hungering for God’, a hungering pation. Many looked forward to the opportu- which Pope Benedict XVI reminded us of at nity of travelling to places they had only ever the World Youth Day Vigil in Sydney, 2008: read about, especially with close friends and There are times when we might be tempted to peers. Without exception, all of the school seek a certain fulfillment apart from God … but aged pilgrims affirmed their belief in God and where does this lead? … God is with us in the many expressed the hope that their relation- reality of life, not the fantasy! It is embrace, not ship with God would be strengthened by the escape, we seek!

REFERENCES

Allen, J. 2007. ‘The Triumph of Evangelical Ca- p.56). tholicism’, National Catholic Reporter, August 31: John Paul II. 1989. Message of John Paul II to the pp.12-14. Youth of the World on the Occasion of the III World Antier, J. 1984. ‘Pilgrimages in France: Religious Youth Day 1990. Accessed from http:// Tourism or Faith in Action’, Lumen Vitae (39): pp. www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/mes- 370-373. sages/youth/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_26111989_v- Benedict XVI. 2007. General Audience, 4 July world-youth-day_en.html 2007.Accessed from http://www.vatican.va/ John Paul II. 1983. ‘The Task of the Latin Ameri- holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2007/docu- can Bishops’, Origins (12) pp. 659-662. ments/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20070704_en.html John Paul II. 1984. Second meeting with partici- Benedict XVI. 2008. Vigil with Young People. Go pants in the Youth Jubilee. A Festival of Hope: Forth Now: Renew the Face of the Earth. Youth Jubilee in Rome. Pontifical Council for the (Homebush, NSW: St Paul Publications, 2009, Laity, p.154.

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John Paul II. 1996. Letter of John Paul II to Car- Brother John of Taizé. 1984. ‘Pilgrimage Seen dinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio on the Occasion through the Bible’, Lumen Vitae (39): pp. 388 -399. of the Seminar on World Youth Days Organized in Mason, M, Webber, R & Singleton A. 2008. ‘Pil- Czestochowa. Accessed from http:// grims Progress 2008: Research Project on World www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/ Youth Day Sydney 2008’. 1996/documents/hf_jp- Rymarz, R. 2007. ‘Who Goes to World Youth Day: ii_let_19960508_czestochowa-gmg_en.html Some Data on over 18 Australian Pilgrims’, Jour- John Paul II, Ecclesia in America. Washington DC: nal of Beliefs and Values 28(1): pp. 33-43. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Rymarz, R. 2010. ‘The New Evangelisation: A 1999, n.68. Look at the Growing Range of Reference’, Com- John Paul II, Post-Synodal , pass Vol 44 (2): p. 24 Ecclesia in Oceania. Homebush, NSW: St Paul Today’s Zaman. 2011. ‘Unraveling the Anzac Publications, 2001, n. 44. Spirit’, 1 May p.1.

Evangelisation is the ultimate reason for which the Church proposes and encourages pilgrimages, such that they are transformed into an experience of deep and mature faith. —Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People 1998, n.2

Stand at the crossroad and look, ask for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. —Jeremiah 6:16

Pilgrims are persons in motion—passing through territo- ries not their own—seeking something we might call completion. —Richard Niebuhr

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