The reflection mat provided an opportunity to share Columban mission with pilgrims who had never encountered the Columbans before. Photo: Adi Mariana Waqa
The busy chatter of thousands of pilgrims became the backdrop of a Columban program that centred on the care and protection of creation and biodiversity in the ACYF Justice Activity Centre. Fijian mats were rolled out as the Columban Priests removed their shoes and walked onto the mats where they blessed holy water for pilgrims to dip their fingers and make the sign of the cross before sitting back down.
Images of the devastating effects of climate change were placed around the mats and pilgrims were asked to reflect on them and come up with messages of encouragement and solidarity for young people at the front lines of the global crisis. Images were also shared through a presentation highlighting Columban mission in countries like Fiji and Pakistan, where Columban priests and missionaries work closely with communities impacted by sea levels rising, catastrophic floods, and droughts.
The reflection mat provided an opportunity to share Columban mission with pilgrims who had never encountered the Columbans before. Columban Frs. Patrick, George, and La-Aung’s presence represented the spiritual and practical aspect of what it means to be missionary for the next generation of young Catholics, many of whom are in their season of seeking God, purpose, and call.
As the mat activity came to a close and pilgrims began to move over to the Masi activity, small conversations began between pilgrims of Pacific Island heritage and Columban Partnership Co-ordinator, Mariana Waqa. These pilgrims were particularly grateful to the Columbans for having space at a national church event to engage with Pacific culture and representation of Catholic mission from the region.
*The 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival took place from Sunday 30th of November to Tuesday 2nd of December at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre
Adi Mariana Waqa is the Regional Partnership Coordinator at St Columbans, Essendon.
