By Amanda Murthy
The Experiential Prayer Room at the recent Australian Catholic Youth Festival held at Perth Convention and Exhibition centre (Level 3), provided an avenue for quiet time and reflection for the 5500 pilgrims, amidst the hype of events which took place from 8 to 10 December.
Experiential Prayer Room (Encounter) Manager Kelly Paget, from the Diocese of Broken Bay, explained the purpose of the space, and the variety of activities the youth and young adults can engage in, at their own pace.
“The space had been designed to give festival goers an opportunity to pray in the way they felt comfortable,” Mrs Paget said.
“The young people have many options – from sitting with the Word of God, there is student artwork they can reflect on, there are some icons from the Eastern Catholic rites, there is a beautiful shrine dedicated to Mother Mary, and a labyrinth they can walk to do their prayers.
“The whole thing that ties this space together, is a hymn that is called ‘Song in the centre,’ that talks about how God is present in all creation – and it comes together under this globe (placed symbolically over the space),” she added.
Another feature which gained much attraction at the experiential space was the prayer petition area, where the young people were able to offer their own intentions and in return, pray for the other pilgrims who had offered their prayers.
Along with the prayer experiences, mini-workshops were held in that space, as a way to encourage and guide the pilgrims to channel their focus on the ACYF theme to, ‘Listen to what the Spirit is saying.’
Some of the workshops included Praying with Icons by Fr Richard Charlwood, Getting to know the Mass by Bishop Patrick O’Regan, Praying the Examen by Fr Robin Koning SJ, ‘Making a Good Confession’ by Mrs Anita Parker and ‘Speak Lord’ by Laura Frogley and team.
Catholic Mission led in a workshop to teach pilgrims ‘How to make and pray the mission rosary’, Consultant for the Aboriginal Education Catholic Education Western Australia Kylie Agale and Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Director Donella Brown headed a session titled ‘Labyrinth: Heart journey – looking back, looking in and looking forward,’ and ‘The Angelus’ was explained by John Kinder.
Many ACYF 2019 pilgrim groups were accompanied by a Catholic priest who worked to help them develop a greater understanding of the faith journey by providing spiritual guidance, scriptural and prayer formation, as well as access to the Sacraments.
The worship centre space at ACYF were filled with pilgrims from all around Australia, who were seen attending the different rites of the Catholic Church, making the Sacrament of reconciliation, and kneeling in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at Adoration.
Many of the participants, expressed their gratitude to ACYF organisers for providing a space they could take the time to reflect on their journey, and learn new ways to pray – as well as to be able to express and celebrate their faith, in a safe space.
Also on pages 12 to 13 of Issue 23: 2019 Australian Catholic Youth Festival: ‘Rebuild of Church’ of The Record Magazine