Jubilee of Youth Event Featuring Pilgrimage, Eucharistic Talks, Adoration and a Dynamic Youth Concert.

By Elsie-May Hanna, OLHC Youth Minister

In a vibrant display of faith, music, and youthful energy, Catholic teens and young adults gathered this past weekend for The LAMP “Highway to Heaven” event hosted by Our Lady Help of Christians Parish for the celebration of the Jubilee of Youth — a dynamic spiritual encounter that combined a pilgrimage, to powerful teachings on the Eucharist, Eucharistic adoration, Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg, and a rousing Youth Concert.

The 6.5km pilgrimage began at St Michael’s School Hall in Berwick after a talk and a blessing from Bishop Greg. Led by The LAMP of Sale Diocesan youth leaders and Fr. Michael the OLHC Parish priest, the ‘Emmaus Walk’ experience was animated by Jesus Youth leaders who walked alongside with each pilgrim group.

“The pilgrimage set the tone,” said Bishop Greg. “It reminded the young people that our faith is a journey — and that they’re not walking it alone.”

With a quick rest stop and lunch break at Wilson Botanic Park, the pilgrims made their way to Our Lady Help of Christian’s Parish where they were engaged in a session of spontaneous worship which was followed by talks delivered by Jesus Youth on how young Catholics can develop a personal relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. The central theme of the event was “Highway to Heaven” as quoted by soon to be first millennial to be recognised as a saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis. Afterwards, the crowd of youth gathered in the church for Eucharistic Adoration The Blessed Sacrament.

Bishop Greg celebrated Vigil Mass that evening and in his homily he was delighted to share in the day with the youth of the Diocese and said in his homily:  “….today we have experienced the joy of being made welcome” and reminded the participants that they had been on a pilgrimage where they opened their lives to the journey of being together, of prayer, praise and song. They have experienced the goodness of God’s love for all. 

The event ended in a high-energy with a concert headlined by the Jesus Youth Band. The band blended worship music with moments of praise and a decade of the rosary in front of a statue of Our Lady holding Child Jesus adorned with lights, creating an atmosphere of celebration and praise. As the night ended, it was evident the youth did not want to leave what had been a Journey of Faith and new friendships. The statue of Our Lady with Child Jesus statue was carried back with care by some of our young adults back to her Chapel in the OLCH Church, showing me that this day was indeed God’s mission complete.