World Youth Day Theme:

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you will be my witnesses"

Acts 1: 8

Father Martin and Brother John going to Sydney

July 12 - 21, 2008

In July of 2008 Pope Benedict XVI will join with thousands and thousands of young adults from around the world to celebrate the gift of faith and in particular as lived out in the Catholic Church. I would like to use this page to keep you all abreast of the events leading up to this historic event and share on occasion my own thoughts. This World Youth Day (WYD) is very special because of the fact that our Province of the Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis has appointed Brother John Russo and myself (Fr. Martin) to travel to Sydney Australia and represent them. There will be more news forthcoming but in the meantime I invite all of you to visit the home page of WYD and view the video that has been produced, listen to the WYD song and explore many of the other interesting facts and events leading up to this July celebration of faith. Click on the above WYD logo and join in with the Spirit of Sydney.

News Flash!!!

Brother John has learned that one of his musical pieces will be premiered at WYD in Sydney.

See the details below.

Brother John’s “Holy Rosary”

to be performed at World Youth Day 2008

Our composer, Brother John Russo has another premiere coming up – this time at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia.

Plans are being finalized for a series of performances of his “Holy Rosary” as a spiritual activity meant to engage these young faithful in a prayer way.

“It’s a multi-media, interactive work meant to enhance the prayer of the rosary,” Brother John said. “It includes places for the assembly to sing along, a power-point presentation of images for the assembly to view while singing – in short, a sensory experience which will hopefully enhance the contemplation of the mysteries.” Brother John noted that to his knowledge, this piece will be the first one of its kind. “It could be a helpful spiritual exercise, especially for today’s youth, who – in this time of Blackberries and Xbox’s – are quite sensory-dependant.”  Brother hopes that if these performances are successful, the piece may “gain legs” around the world and bring a new and special “eventful” quality to community prayer of the Rosary.

“Holy Rosary” is scored for alto and baritone soloists, full chorus and string orchestra.  It will be presented at a major Church in downtown Sydney during the main celebrations of WYD in mid-July, 2008.

Prayer for World Youth Day 2008

God Our Father,
we consecrate to you the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.
Guide and protect Pope Benedict and all the leaders of the Church.
Inspire and direct all those leading and planning the World Youth Day.
Unite and protect them by your fatherly care.
Amen

Lord Jesus Christ,
before you ascended to the Father,
you promised to send your Holy Spirit so that we might be your witnesses
to the end of the earth.
Bless and multiply the efforts of all our staff and volunteers.
Help us to take up our cross and follow you
under the heavenly sign of the Southern Cross.
Amen

Holy Spirit,
pour out your grace on this Great South Land
of the Holy Spirit and grant to us a New Pentecost.
Make of this land a true place of welcome
for the young people of the world.
Grant to those young people who come conversion of life,
a deeper faith, and love for all.
Enable them to build a new civilization of life, love and truth.
Make them true witnesses to your power and grace.
Amen

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians - pray for us.

Blessed Mary MacKillop - pray for us.