Delegation of College Knights at World Youth Day

Photos 

Knights gather at the start of World Youth Day 2008.

College Knights in Action - Spring Edition

Upon arriving in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, July 13, the World Youth Day (WYD) delegation of more than 30 college Knights made their way to “Pioneer House,” where they will be staying.

The Sisters of Life had cleaned and prepared the housing for the Knights, who will be volunteering at the sisters’ Love and Life Site at Notre Dame University in Sydney.

Throughout the weekend, the Knights also got to know one another better, as they explored Sydney. “It's interesting that a couple days ago, we were all relative strangers,” said Jordan Davis, grand knight of the University of Wisconsin (Madison) Council 6879. “This is a chance to increase my fraternal involvement with the Knights of Columbus beyond my immediate council.”

On Sunday, July 13, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Sydney, where he will remain on retreat until the official papal welcome on Thursday.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and his wife Dorian also arrived in Sydney on Sunday. They joined the rest of the K of C delegation for afternoon Mass at St. Benedict’s Church, which is located on the campus of the Love and Life Site.

By the morning of Monday, July 14, pilgrims from around the world could be seen everywhere in Sydney, some of them arriving at the Love and Life Site and wondering when the activities will begin. Throughout the day, the Knights worked with the sisters to unload boxes of materials, set up equipment, put up signs and do various other tasks to prepare the site for the thousands of pilgrims expected to attend.

Sister Kathrine Marie, coordinator of the Love and Life Site, and Mother Agnes of the Sisters of Life take a break from preparations.

The Knights and sisters took time to attend Mass, celebrated by Father Peter Pilsner, chaplain of the Sisters of Life. In his homily, Father Pilsner reminded the Knights and sisters that in sharing the Gospel they should not be surprised if they meet opposition.

“In this particular place, we are saying something about the great gift of love and life, and we are proclaiming a message that the world does not want to hear,” said Father Pilsner, who is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and member of Stolzenthaler Council 1675 in New York. Responding to the call of the Holy Spirit is something that involves both joy and suffering, he explained, because it means participating in the mission of Christ.

For their part, the sisters have been looking forward to the opportunity to sharing the Gospel of life with the young pilgrims. “It's time to live!” exclaimed Sister John Mary. “Our hope is to meet the youth of the world and invite them to live fully.”

Sister Joan Marie agreed, adding, “We hope that every heart is touched by the Gospel here. We know God is going to deliver. He has mighty plans.”

The Knights, too, are excited to share their faith. “I hope to help other pilgrims coming here to gain a deeper understanding and connection with our Lord,” said Robert Atcheson, grand knight of Auburn University Council 8696.

A worker hangs a K of C banner on the wall of courtyard of Notre Dame University.

The Knights also attended a special prayer service on Monday, July 14, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, led by Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, who served as president of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. The eucharistic holy hour included music and reflections, in addition to quotes from letters of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

The charismatic Italian youth who died in 1925 at the age of 24 was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and is one of the 10 official patron saints of WYD 2008. His relics were moved to Sydney several weeks ago for veneration during WYD. The relics were temporarily located in St. Benedict’s Church until last week, when they were transferred to Sydney’s cathedral.

Tuesday, July 15, marks the official beginning of WYD 2008. An opening Mass to which all the pilgrims are invited will be celebrated by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney.

For more information, visit www.lovelifelink.org and www.loveandlifesite.blogspot.com/