Feel the faith

By Kath Gannaway
FOR Healesville teenagers Nick Pearce, Ben Bateman and Jason Boede sharing their faith with hundreds of thousands of their peers from around the world has been an empowering experience.
The boys, who were sponsored by St Brigid’s Parish and part of the 75 strong Lilydale Mercy College contingent, took part in World Youth Day in Sydney last week.
Their pilgrimage, however, started closer to home.
On Friday 11 July the boys joined more than 200 pilgrims from countries including Germany, Canada and the Czech Republic for a tour of Healesville Sanctuary where they were addressed by Wurrundjeri Ngurungaeta Murrundindi on indigenous spirituality.
They helped serve lunch to local and visiting pilgrims back at St Brigid’s Parish Hall.
The Mail spoke to the boys two days into their week-long pilgrimage in Sydney where their sense of being part of a bigger picture was shaping a life-long legacy from a once in a lifetime experience.
“You go to church and you might see one or two people the same age as you.
“You come here and there are thousands and thousands, so you know you are not alone,” Jason said.
“The opening Mass and concerts last night were huge … amazing!”
Ben said a highlight of the week so far had been the opening Mass.
He said the sense of tradition which came with hearing part of the Mass said in Latin was something special. Along with wonderful memories, new friendships and lots of photos, the boys said they hoped to return with a better faith.