WYD Capuchin Youth Festival

WYD CAPUCHIN YOUTH FESTIVAL! On the Wednesday of WYD08 (16th July), the Australian Capuchin Friars hosted a 3 ½ hour Capuchin Youth Festival in the Piazza of the Italian Forum Cultural Centre in Leichhardt. The theme of the youth festival was “Celebrating Our Unity in Diversity: A Multicultural Celebration of Faith”. There were performers from various cultural backgrounds (both local and international), expressing our Catholic faith through song, prayer, dance and drama. His Eminence Sean Cardinal O’Malley OFM Cap – who had given the first catechesis session to the young Capuchin pilgrims earlier in the day – briefly addressed the gathering with some inspiring words.

 
Performers during the Festival included: Gary Pinto (co-writer of the WYD theme song “Receive the Power”), who gave a wonderful rendition of that song and others, animating the crowd to dance around and sing along; Christopher Libro, who sang beautifully in a number of languages with his resonating voice; Nonetheless, a young band from the Capuchin parish at Plumpton, playing a few high intensity songs including their popular “Dynamite”; Br Dean Mathieson OFM Cap, a young Australian friar, and his band (with some help from his classmates); Marissa stunned everyone with her powerful diva-like singing; the Sydney Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Team (CYS) inspired the crowd by revving them up with some chants and dancing; and Fr Lucio Saggioro OFM Cap and his young group Pelli Sintetiche from Italy, who brought an exciting grand finale to the event with a number of inspiring songs that got everyone participating, singing, dancing and praying. Special thanks to the energetic Vincent Haber who did a great job hosting the event and animating the pilgrims.

 
Despite the fact that the WYD Youth Festival guide misprinted the venue for the event (which meant many who wanted to come were unable to find it), the attendance was still very good, consistent and happy. It was a wonderful celebration of our Catholic faith through a variety of expressions, which the friars were fortunate to be able to share with the people of Leichhardt. The Forum location also gave the young pilgrims the chance to meet and mix with the friars, and partake in some of the great Italian and international coffee and cuisine!

 


Click here to check out our WYD CAPUCHIN YOUTH FESTIVAL PHOTO GALLERY! 




Br Christopher's spontaneous dancing during the Youth Festival!