We're leaving next week!!!

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa,

As we post the last few pennies on our fundraising thermometer and pen the last few posts on this blog before leaving, we don't even need to count the days, as they are screaming by at break-neck speed.

Do not expect this on the plane.

Some group members say they are excited and can't wait for the plane trip! 14 hours on a flight from Aussie to Dubai ain't my kind of fun - it's what's at the other end that excites me. But such is the sense of expectation for young adventurers who are embarking on their first major overseas trip.

St Augustine of Hippo and his
legendary mum - she never packed
his bag when he went overseas

We find ourselves filling the shoes of those faithful pilgrims that used to ride on horseback, or simply plod along country roads on months-long pilgrimages to far-away shrines. The means of transport has changed, but we hope nothing much else has. We are setting off "videre Petrum" to see Peter, and to encounter Our Lord deep inside us. Peace on the outside comes from knowing God on the inside - so said the Holy Father's favourite saint - St Augustine.


We'd like to thank all who have helped with fundraising for this trip, and in particular the Parish of St Francis de Sales at Devonport who are supporting members of the group from there. There's a spanish fiesta night this Saturday organised by the parish and it sounds like great fun! On Sunday we're meeting for the final time to check everyone is ready, as well as to be briefed on our tours of Rome with our resident expert on Roman art history and theory, Fr Peter Fitzsimons.

Almost there!

See - even Cardinal Varela couldn't avoid it

Departure date is Friday August 5. Do not go bungee jumping, skydiving, or play chicken on the railway lines before we leave! (This is not to say that those activities will occur on the actual trip). And until then, get set, get pumped and don't let mum pack your bag! The Holy Father is going to personally check everyone's bag and make sure you packed it yourself (just like at the airport).

36 days to WYD; 26 until we leave

We really are into the final weeks of the preparation for our trip. Many of us have commented how the past 6-12 months have flown by. Usually, when you can't wait for something, time seems to stand still. But when you work hard at a big job, the weeks and months cruise by. We still have much to do - we need to make a final push for funds. We need to assign tasks and duties for the actual trip, including a little research on the places we are visiting. We need to pack - don't leave that for mum and dad! We need to study hard and forge ahead in our school work.

And finally, we need to pray - getting into the wonderful habit of praying every day and getting to Mass as often as we can is the best way to prepare for this trip. The investment that people have made in us to attend World Youth Day is not for some fleeting experience to see the world. We are expected to grow internally and spiritually, and return to New Zealand with renewed endeavour to contribute to our society and be saints.

Let's keep those goals in mind as we countdown to departure.