Two members of Holy Cross Parish, Andrew Flynn and Krista Costanza, received a special blessing from Fr James before departing on a World Youth Day pilgrimage to Australia. Andrew and Krista also received a gift from the Holy Cross Youth Group, as a token of appreciation for their leadership and participation in group events.

The theme is of this year’s World Youth day is “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). On July 8th, they will be traveling to Auckland for the "Days in the Diocese", where they will be billeted in homes around St. Thomas More Parish and experiencing the faith life and culture of the area. On July 14th, they will travel to Sydney, attending teaching sessions led by Bishops and Cardinals each day. The culmination of these days will be an overnight vigil and Closing Mass with Pope Benedict! The trip will end with a two day retreat where the youth will reflect upon their experiences and see how they can be witnesses when they return to Canada.

Krista has already attended World Youth Day twice, in Toronto and Cologne. Recently, she reflected on her upcoming pilgrimage:

“In less than a week, I'm heading overseas to Australia for World Youth Day. This will be my third WYD. I'm very excited to be going because each WYD is so different. I'm looking forward to experiencing all that this one has to offer. We'll be starting in Auckland, New Zealand and staying in host families. I've already been in contact with the family I'll be staying with and they sound wonderful. We're celebrating the Days of the Diocese in New Zealand then heading over to Sydney for the actual WYD event. For the first few days, I'll be helping out with the Cathechetical sessions for the English Canadians. I've also been asked to be a small group leader for 5 other girls. I've taken on an older role with this WYD. As well as being a pilgrim, I'm also a leader and more involved with how things are working. So I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this WYD effects me and who I'll meet and what I'll experience. Especially seeing my sister Melanie! God is so amazing and He's gotten me this far (with the help of prayers and donations from all of Holy Cross). I'll try my best to keep everyone posted on our pilgrimage and look forward to sharing everything once we return.”

We wish our pilgrims all God’s blessing and look forward to their safe return.