Streets of Albany come alive!

…well the prayers worked! The Katanning faith community were greeted by beautiful sunshine for their Sunday morning procession through town, which was followed by Mass and a community lunch. What a privilege it was for us to spend last night and this morning with such a warm and caring community!

Albany was our next stop, a beautiful coastal town at the bottom of WA.
We gathered beside the skate-park in town and processed down to the Council chambers for the official handover and Welcome to Country. Then the 4km procession took off towards Holy Family Church. It was a spectacular setting; blue sky, afternoon sun…and lots of noise! The ‘Aberdeen Street’ youth group lead the community through several WYD chants as we trekked through town…many people running out of their homes to see what all the commotion was about!

The sun set on us about 1km from our destination, then out came the glowsticks to light the final leg towards Holy Family…and yes, the youth were still chanting!
Outside the church, parishioners had some time for a personal encounter with the Cross & Icon before the wider faith community gathered inside for an ecumenical service. It was a great event to be a part of. Not only were their representatives from various Christian churches; but also great music provided by both the local youth & the Filipino community. Jesus was on everyone’s lips as this tight community pondered on the wondrous gift of the Cross.

Dan