Lisa Funa ________________________________
I was lucky enough to be one of the 410 young pilgrims to attend WYD in Sydney Australia and I want to share with you my experiences as a young pilgrim.

My purposes to attend WYD08 was to physically see the Pope, interact with other youths from all over the World, meet and make new friends, share the faith with others and so on. But my hidden agenda was sightseeing and shopping but God had different plans for me. What awaited me during the Holy event was totally different from my main intentions. Long tiring Pilgrim walks, cold and uncomfortable, sleepless nights, canned food and getting scolded! These experiences did not dampen my physical being, instead they rejuvenated my spiritual being. The message by Pope Benedict XVI was so inspiring, it totally gives me hope that the young people of today can change the world.

We were fortunate to have some catechism teaching by our Archbishop Adrian Smith in our pidgin dialect, his message was AWESOME. An unforgettable experience of my life was to be part of the long pilgrimage walk from North Sydney to Randwick Racecourse. Tired, worn out, thirsty and weary but nobody was complaining, everybody was in good spirits and enjoying the 10-15km walk.In the final mass I was touched to see young people like me, Catholic and non-Catholic, kneeling before Christ and celebrating and worshipping Him as our Saviour. It was Heaven on earth during the final blessing with the Pope’s hand raised for the final blessing. The joy I felt at that time was a mile long, I could not find words to express it. It was indeed sending us forth to be witnesses for Christ to the ends of the earth.

Josephine Ba’ata ____________________________
Since returning as a pilgrim from Sydney, I have been very happy to have been part of the World Youth Day event, I was so pleased to meet other pilgrims from around the world. During the event, there were more than five hundred thousand young people gathered in Sydney. This very significant event was very enjoyable particularly for those encountering World Youth Day for the first time like myself. Pope Benedict’s message to the youth of the world was so encouraging; send out and witness the gospel to the ends of the earth.
I felt quite special among the youth of the world and I felt something guiding me to faithfully participate in all the programs. It has been uplifting and empowering me in my life since my return. World Youth Day reminds me of the universal Church because it gathered Catholic youths and the youth of different denominations together as one. It was so amazing to see it. It brings old and young, rich and poor to be a witnesses of Christ in faith. As I look back and reflect on World Youth Day, the thought strikes me that the Catholic Church has become universal; it invites everybody to become part of it. World Youth Day encouraged me to have a stronger faith for the church today.

Regina Lepping ___________________________
Two years ago, I heard that World Youth Day was to be in Sydney, Australia. I then asked my parents if I could attend this celebration and they accepted. Then the WYD cross and icon visited the Solomon Islands. I had the honour to help carry the cross and it was from that moment on I knew that I was getting involved in something that would change my life forever. But I never knew that what was to take place in Sydney would be beyond my expectations….

A year later, there I was in Sydney joining 500,000 pilgrims from all over the world at the biggest mass I have ever been to. We had a VIP welcome and free passes everywhere we went. Seeing the biggest fireworks ever in my life was a magical experience. When I got separated from my fellow Solomon Islanders I did not panic because there were volunteers everywhere and they happily showed me where to go. The Pope’s catechism every morning and the masses helped to develop me spiritually and reminded me of how important I am to God. The pilgrimage walk was the longest and most exciting walk I had ever done, it was amazing. I was expressing my faith and belief in God all the way, I just couldn’t hide it anymore! We walked about 11km a day on the pilgrimage walk and did about 30km in one week. The weather was so cold and I suffered from windburn, numbness, even ‘lip therapy ‘refused to protect my lips form cracks and dryness but still, I was never ill or tired of all the day’s activities. Do you know why? The answer is the theme and it has been fulfilled in me….

“You will receive the POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you and you will be my WITNESSES to the ends of Earth”- acts 1:8

I feel empowered by the Holy Spirit with what I have seen and heard in Australia. The experiences were enriching, overwhelming and powerfully beyond description. I know this is just the beginning of a Holy pilgrimage for me. Madrid, Spain? We will see....  

Mary Felesi SMSM Postulant ________________
World Youth Day has been an enriching and moving experience for me to share my faith together with other young pilgrims of different nationalities and languages through out the world. We came from different parts of the world not only to celebrate but also to share our faith together.

It was awesome for me to experience the joy and reunion in our Catholic faith even though we are from different cultures. Many of the activities that took place were really touching and moving. I was really happy to celebrate with thousands of pilgrims through out the world our faith and life together as Catholics.

The whole celebration really brought a clear picture of the celebration of Eucharist, even though we are different but we all share a common faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I was very affirmed by the Pope’s words that we are called to be prophets to the nations, proclaiming Christ to the world. Indeed, the Holy Spirit will be with us in all things and, on the other hand, I was challenged by the Pope’s questions to the pilgrims; “What will you leave to the next generation? Are you building your lives in a way that opens up space for the spirit in the midst of a world that wants to forget God, or even rejects him in the name of a falsely conceived freedom? How are you using the gifts you have been given, the “Power which the Holy Spirit is even now prepared to release within you? What legacy will you leave to young people yet to come? What difference will you make?”

So the whole event of WYD made me very proud of who I am as a Catholic. It also allowed me to be one with other pilgrims from around the world to celebrate our faith together and receive the Eucharist together.

It is with gratitude that I think of all those responsible for my being a pilgrim at WYD 2008. It was the most fantastic experience of my life, one I will never forget.

Constantine Puanikeni _____________________
World Youth Day 2008 took place in Sydney, Australia where the Holy Father met thousands of young people from all around the world. Though this kind of gathering is not new, even in the history of the bible, the Holy Father emphasized on this global youth gathering that such a programme must be continued because these pilgrims are young people set on a journey to meet Jesus.

I was so blessed and fortunate to be among the young Solomon Islanders who travelled to Sydney to be part of this pilgrimage - to join in this journey of life. The deadline for registration and collection of airfare for the trip was due and I personally didn’t have enough money to meet that requirement. I was losing hope but what a blessing when we heard that the Government and CCSI had assisted with our airfare. I would like to thank the Government and our friends from Australia for the great support and wonderful help. The assistance definitely enabled me and many others like me who would have otherwise missed this opportunity of a lifetime to join in this journey of life. May you all receive God’s blessing.

On 10th July 2008, we left for Brisbane on this journey of life. From Brisbane we travelled by bus to the Lismore Diocese where we stayed for one week. Here we were billeted out 2 or 3 youths with various families in Lismore. To have come from rural Solomon Islands and to have left my country for the first time, finding myself in another household, another country and another culture was an adventure of its own. It was an experience of a lifetime. The week we spent in Lismore was packed with activities including daily excursions to the many attractions in and around the area.

The second week we all moved to Oak hill College and there we met many challenges and difficulties. The cold winter and food were enough to send our minds back home. However, with God’s blessing, we were able to cope with the situation.

The programme in Sydney from 15th to 20th July was very interesting. During the mornings, Archbishop Adrian Smith took catechism classes. I was especially touched by his message on the 18th July when he asked us to say the Holy Spirit prayer everyday so that we can have strength to do his work.

In the same manner, the message of the Holy Father also touched me deeply when he said the Holy Spirit is still active and is at work in our church. He encouraged us to open up and take in the Holy Spirit so we can be his good disciple.

The main aim of World Youth Day 08 was to receive the power of the Holy Spirit to be a witness to others. When I personally reflect on this message, I realize that I have a lot of weaknesses and I pray humbly that the Holy Spirit gives me the power and strength to see others in him and to help others. I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit that flowered freely and powerfully during the World Youth Day in Sydney flows throughout Solomon Islands through each and everyone of us youths who were part of this pilgrimage. God bless Solomon Islands’ youth.

Chris Tagini ______________________________
The Catholic Church of Solomon Islands, with the help of our National Government, managed to send 450 pilgrims to attend World Youth Day in Sydney on July 10th 2008 and I was one of them. To me, it was one of the most remarkable events I have ever come across. Youths from all around the world, Catholic and even non-Catholics came together to praise and worship our heavenly father and to celebrate with the Holy Father of our church Pope Benedict. We were so pleased with the welcome that we were given and their complete acceptance of us, it truly filled our spirits. Youths, despite cultural differences, up bringing or material possessions, were able to recognise and appreciate their brothers and sisters in other countries. This warm welcome was a sign of the spirit and grace of God that is alive and moving under the sun. All throughout the programs there was never a moment where I felt anything but overwhelmed at being so blessed to be among such generous, selfless people. However, there was a moment where I truly heard Gods voice speaking silently to me. That was on Saturday 19th July 2008 at about 11am. It was a day for all the pilgrims to take the pilgrimage walk. It was quite a long distance, about nine kilometres. Just after starting the walk, I asked myself some questions. Why must we do this walk? What is so special about it? I even thought that it may have been a waste of time and energy. All of a Sudden, we crossed the Sydney Bridge. Youths were singing, shouting and beating drums in joy while I was silent. Confusion was running through me and I started to get tired. I get worse and told two of my brothers that I wanted to catch taxi in central Sydney. After mentioning it few times, I lost my feelings and I couldn’t even hear any sounds from the crowd. Although I kept walking with them, I felt like I was lost in the journey. All of a sudden a I heard a voice in my head, the voice was telling me to stop continuously complaining. It told me that this is just the beginning of my journey that I must fulfil the theme of World Youth Day; Acts “You will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witness,”, to be the witness in all things. There will be hard times to come and there will be many difficulties, pain and suffering to face in humility. However, in doing so and over coming those things, you will be able to follow the spiritual journey of Christ with more insight and greater understanding of pilgrims. This voice kept repeating the same things over and over again and at last I managed to complete the journey. Now I have become to know more about what the word “pilgrim” is all about and my earlier questions were answered. Moments of grace shape our continuous spiritual journey. Places, actions and questions challenge our mind and our heart but we must make sense of the spiritual journey and possibly gain some insight into own personal destiny. Amen.

Mathew Ronnie ___________________________
As we know, the Solomon Islands is a caring country under Gods power. We must be grateful that our church is receiving power from the Holy Spirit and witnessing God’s word by sending out the prophets to celebrate World Youth Day.

Therefore as a young Vinnie and pilgrim, I was very grateful to be chosen to attend WYD and be sent as a prophet of the church. Pilgrims from all over the world came to share their faith together by singing, dancing, talking, taking photographs, playing and praying. I truly felt that the Holy Spirit not only comes through prayer but it also comes through dancing, singing, talking and playing etc. It reminded me of the gospel of Mathew 28:19 which says that apostolic tradition is the transmission of the message of Christ bought about from the very beginnings of Christianity by means of preaching, bearing witnesses, institution, worship and inspired writing. So in my experience, the pilgrimage did the same thing because in the Pope’s testimony he says you are the prophets of this world, go and reach out to the whole world and you will receive the power when Holy spirit has come upon you and you will be your witnesses. So World Youth Day is a way to reach out to the next generation and to demonstrate confidence in them.

Modesto Thabatia _____________________________
I am a youth conscious of my weakness in faith and the need to build my faith. I did not hesitate to spend so much money, time and energy in preparation for the World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. I knew there was something very worthwhile and more precious than gold, something that I could never purchase with money.

What I wanted was to be able to experience the love of God through the environment, to meet young people from different countries and most importantly, to be able to meet the Pope and to renew my confirmation in receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.

My dreams came to reality when I attended the World Youth Day events. When I saw the clean, beautiful and reserved environment it recalled to mind the passive heralds of Gods love and glory on earth. It was a fantastic experience to see many warm smiling faces and to feel the unity amongst young pilgrims who came from different, distant nations to join in the celebrations. This highlighted that young people can change the world by the power and love of God.

Pope Benedict the sixteenth challenged us to take a step forward in endeavouring to make a difference in life. That is to become a prophet of this age and to show God’s love to others.

The WYD event will be a life long experience for me. Now I have to take a deeper discernment and reflection in the renewal of my confirmation and not forgetting that the Holy Spirit is the principle agent of evangelization.
Even though the unforgettable happy hours are over, Christ continually speaks to me and to every young person to continue their mission when he said, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses. Act: 1:8 

Christina Hausa _________________________
World Youth Day was a special event where young people from all over the world came together to meet the Holy Father, meet each other and celebrate together as one Catholic faith. I was one of youth who participated in this special event. The journey was a mixed experience, sometimes difficult, discouraging but also joyous. During my time of preparation, I met so many challenges both physical and spiritual. Many times I felt discouraged because firstly, my parents did not want to help and support me in my going to Sydney. I also feel disheartened when I realised that I didn’t have enough money to buy for the things that I required to take with me and for my travelling expenses. I even missed many of my classes just looking for things to sell to get money. I even I found it difficult to keep up with my education. These things sometimes weakened my spiritual preparation and my faith and my prayer life. But because God is so good and loving, he made all things possible for me to travel with the other Solomon Islands pilgrims.

It was my first time to leave Solomon Islands to Australia. I was so excited and thinking of nothing else but Australia and World Youth Day. When I arrived in Australia, the first thing that I experienced was the cold. It was the type of cold that I’d never experienced before. The second thing that I experienced is the feeling of being mixed up. I felt excited and frightened at the same time. I was afraid because I don’t know how to speak English properly and even worse, I found it even more difficult to say even a word when they spoke to me. These horrible feelings came over me when I first met some of the white men at Brisbane airport.

Meanwhile, during the Days in the Diocese in Lismore, I stayed with my host family. I lived there for few days and this was one of the most enjoyable and sometimes challenging time for me. I loved my host family, they were very kind and loving. They taught me new things and told me about Australia. But the things that challenged me most was the different lifestyle and food. In Australia, the lifestyle is so different from the Solomon Islands’ culture and lifestyle. For example they hug when they greet each other, whereas in Solomon Islands, instead of hugging, they just shake hands when they greet each other. The food also made my life a bit difficult because it was all new but I did my best to eat it all up.

After a few days in Lismore, we had a very long and enjoyable ride to Sydney. It was very cold there, even colder than Lismore! However, during the opening ceremony at Bangaroo, I was so amazed to see tall buildings and millions of people gathered together as one family. I couldn’t believe my eyes. However before I conclude, I like to share with you some of the Holy Father’s words that really challenged me and touched my heart;
• “My young people be watchful.” - He said this to the young people during the official opening at Bangaroo.

• “Unity must combine with love so that the peace within country, community and family will strong.” He said this during his sermon at the official closing at Randwick.

Overall, the experience of pain, difficulty, discouragement, happiness and joy that I came across before and during the World Youth Day has changed me a lot. It reminded me about the life of the saints and Jesus himself. Also, afterwards I realized and was happy to experience such challenges, because through this experiences I’ve learnt so many new things.

Brief Encounters

Martin Rasu – Don Bosco
Don’t think you can pray to God only when you’re in the church or sitting quietly in your room. You can pray through doing good jobs for your family and community. Eg. Washing and cleaning up the house.

Ella Matairomo – Midwife – Kukum Clinic
May I just forward my sincere thanks and gratitude towards all the communities, parishes, diocese and individuals all over Australia for their warm welcome and hospitality rendered to all Solomon WYD 08 participants. Not forgetting the Solomon Island Government donors and anyone who helped in one way or the other to help us reach the destination.

Georgianna M Lepping – Epallean - Rove Hill, Honiara
I’m proud to be a Catholic because we don’t care what denomination you are fro. WYD is for everyone and a pilgrim is a pilgrim forever. It is a trip worth saving for. Madrid, Spain is next so get ready, you can be a pilgrim too!!!!

Sophia Bechana, Visale
I was taken to an organisation named ‘House with no steps’, a place where many disabled people worked. It was a new experience for me to see these people with disabilities. Even though they had some kind of disability, they worked to the best of their abilities and showed others that they can achieve anything. They use their God given talents to show to others that they are so special in God’s eyes.

Brother Edwin James OP
WYD was a great event for young Catholics around the world in strengthening their faith and moulding them to become good leaders in the future. It was also one way of expressing one’s faith and to learn from each other’s way of life and at the same time, appreciating different cultures and remaining faithful Catholics in the Universal Church.

Janet Funa
The kind and warm hospitality of my host family during the days in the Dioceses is what had opened my heart to welcome the unfolding events that could happen later. I had never imagined that somewhere out there you could find such kind hearted people and I’m blessed, truly it was the Spirit now working.

Adrian Funa - YFC member
Truly the Lord is kind, for with my own eyes I’ve seen the Pope ride in his mobile car the day of his arrival at The Domain. This experience had greater meaning in my life, it was like a lot of people tried to catch a glimpse of Jesus as he walked. I loved attending the catechism teachings, festival, and meeting new young Catholic brothers and sisters, it has open my heart to see clearly what it means to be YOUNG and CATHOLIC in this era.