Catholic Outlook Magazine Ordinary Time Spring Edition 2022

Dale Ahern
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Dale Ahern – Head of Learning,
St Clare’s Catholic High School, Hassall Grove
There are people that I would not have met without
this experience who are people in my life I can count
on for anything. I very much cherish the friends I
have made along the way, some I know will be in
my life forever.
I remember in Panama being near the beach with
two other groups and in that moment, we decided
to share how we were feeling in that moment and
prayed together. After we prayed, I remember feeling
this calm come over us – I felt like Christ was with
us. It felt as if we were all meant to be there in that
moment, sharing and appreciating the world around us.
As a teacher, I have had many opportunities to share
my experiences and my own faith journey after WYD.
Kathleen Hernadez
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Kathleen Hernandez, parishioner of
St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill
During WYD week in Panama city, there was a
‘Fiat Night’ which centred around the theme of
WYD. There were talks and a time of Adoration of
the Blessed Sacrament. When I looked at Jesus in
the tiny host in the monstrance, I felt His gaze upon
me. In my vulnerability, I knew deeply that God’s love
was for me.
In the procession of the Blessed Sacrament that
followed, I heard deeply in my heart the words,
“Come back to me, my love. Come back to me, my
love. Come back to me, my love.” It felt as if Jesus
and I were speaking the words to each other – heart
to heart – and I was drawn into a deeper intimacy
with Him.
Abigail Diaz
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I entered a new season of my life after World Youth
Day. I gave the year to God, fell more deeply in love
with Him, and felt called to step out to join a religious
community. I discerned Religious Life for two blessed
years and recently felt called to come back home.
Abigail Diaz, parishioner of
Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton
No day was the same on pilgrimage – there was
time for prayer and reflection, great friendships and
fellowship being developed with each experience,
lots of food, excitement, music, learning, moments
of laughter, vulnerability, tears of sorrow and
tears of joy.
During the pilgrimage, I crossed paths with some
fellow parishioners whom I only ever knew as a face
in the pews prior to WYD. Our encounters during the
pilgrimage soon lead the way for deeper friendships.
These friends are a source of hope and continue to
inspire me and my faith journey.
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