Bishop Shane has appointed Fr Jackson Saunders as Chaplain for the Sandhurst Pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) in Portugal.
Fr Jackson says that as Sandhurst WYD Chaplain he will, amongst other things, provide spiritual direction, celebrate Mass, give opportunities for Reconciliation and be an encouraging presence to Sandhurst Pilgrims. “I’m looking forward to getting to know our young adults more and to supporting them in their faith journey as I grow in my own faith. This is a great blessing for which I am very grateful.”
Fr Jackson has participated at two World Youth Days, as a pilgrim to Sydney in 2008 and as a Leader to Rio de Janeiro in 2013. He recommends World Youth Day as a way for young people of faith to learn more about the plans God has for them – their purpose in life – in a very formative and positive way.
Fr Jackson said he encourages anyone who is perhaps a bit hesitant about joining the Sandhurst WYD Pilgrimage to make the leap to attend. He recalls that he was nervous about attending WYD in Sydney, but it proved to be an amazing experience, and he was thrilled that he made the decision to go. “It helped me to grow in my own faith,” he said.
Fr Jackson said his pilgrimage as a leader to WYD Rio de Janeiro helped him to discover his vocation, his calling to the priesthood. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow closer to God,” said Fr Jackson.
Of course, not everyone will be called to the priesthood, or religious life, but connecting with God, with faith, finding a sense of purpose, a vocation are all things which are intrinsic to living life to the full.
It’s also important for all young Catholics to feel they are worthy of joining the pilgrimage, as Fr Jackson explains, “It doesn’t matter what level of faith somebody has, whether they are an active Catholic, or just wanting to learn more about their faith, all are welcome.”
“As a global event, WYD reinforces how Catholic faith is universal; there are so many believers across the world, which is very inspiring,” says Fr Jackson.
For Fr Jackson personally, the most memorable and significant moments of WYD include the Saturday Night Vigil under a sky full of stars and the deafening silence of hundreds of thousands of people reflecting in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Ruth Lawlor, Sandhurst WYD Pilgrimage Coordinator, says she is looking forward to working collaboratively with Fr Jackson to provide all pilgrims with the best possible experience.
“Fr Jackson's previous experience in Youth Ministry gives him an insight into how all the different elements of a pilgrimage work together to allow pilgrims a chance to grow in faith inpidually and as a community. We are both excited to think about the wider reach the WYD experience can have beyond the pilgrims, for the young people not able to travel with us, but also for the parishes and whole Diocesan community,” said Ruth.
The Sandhurst Pilgrimage will start on 29 July and end on 11 August and will include a day trip to Fatima and Post WYD Retreat in Avila. If you are interested in learning more about the Sandhurst Pilgrimage to World Youth Day and sponsorship opportunities, please go to: https://sandhurstwyd.com/
Millions of young Catholics from all corners of the globe will gather in Lisbon Portugal from Tuesday 1 August to Sunday 6 August this year for World Youth Day celebrations, where they will unite in prayer and partake in Sacraments, daily catechesis, and Stations of the Cross. Highlights are events in which Pope Francis is present, such as the concluding Evening Vigil and Final Mass.
A Youth Festival Program including live music, theatre and art exhibitions will parallel the World Youth Day events, providing opportunities for pilgrims to celebrate their Catholic faith with others, irrespective of language and culture.
For more information please go to the Sandhurst World Youth Day Website 2023.
