Catholic youth organize largest public display of faith in decades

Brisbane, Australia, Jan 23, 2006 / 22:00 pm

The largest public demonstration of Catholic faith in decades hit the streets of Brisbane Saturday, when more than 500 Catholic youth processed through the city center.

The one and a half hour walk began at City Hall and concluded at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The walk was peaceful and prayerful, yet bounding with youthful energy and enthusiasm. The procession was one of the events of a four-day festival of faith.

"The energy and commitment of these young people is incredible. It is a message to the world that the Church in Brisbane and in Australia is not dead. We expect even more young people and families to join in Saturday’s march," said coordinator Ben Bulaong.

The festival, called ADORE 2006, was organized by the Alliance of the Holy Family International with the support of the Catholic bishops and the Australian Catholic Students Association. It offers young people a “back to basics” approach to deepening their faith, which focuses on the Eucharist.

“This is the first time in many years that the young people in Brisbane have showed their faith in such a dramatic way as this,” said Jesuit Fr Gregory Jordan, national chaplain of the Australian Catholic Students Association. “Their witness is contrary to the usual view of the loss of faith amongst the young."