From Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday there were 11 liturgies and sessions, 1200 handmade rosaries given out and over 9000 meals served. Upon arrival on Holy Thursday it was an exciting time for everyone to catch up with those they hadn’t seen since the last celebration. Many erected tents or settled into their accommodation.
After dinner there was the first of the many sessions in the main tent. Mass of the Last Supper followed and later there was an Intercession Vigil. The days started with silent prayer followed by morning prayer. After breakfast on Good Friday we met our group participants and leaders. Stations of the Cross was an emotional walk, with young people portraying the suffering and pain of Christ and his followers. After lunch there was some free time before rosary at the foot of the cross. Celebration of the Passion took place in the main tent with reverence and prayer, a humbling experience. That evening there were many priests to hear confession and participants could choose to be prayed over for healing.
Saturday morning saw the Marian Procession and then a share group session. The afternoon session was out in the open listening to Christian singers as well as the children who gave us a selection of some of the songs they had learned in children’s liturgy. The Easter vigil celebration began in the darkness outside the main tent and then seven priests processed in with over 1100 people following, their candles lit and held high. During this time there were baptisms and confirmations. Our family was represented by four generations, the youngest being baptised during this Mass. The choir was outstanding, as were the musicians.
On Sunday morning after adoration and prayer the morning session was held and then it was time to pack up. We bid sad farewells to the many whom we will not see until next time.
Besides the many meals served in a large marquee there was morning and afternoon tea as well as supper. Special needs meals were available and children could attend sessions suited to their needs. Many of the sessions had young people giving their testimony of finding God.
For more information and photos please visit Light to the Nations.
