World Youth Day came to Bellingen last week when a large number of` Austrians, Tongans and Solomon Islanders were billeted in homes in Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga, a large number of Tongans staying at Mount Tabor.

It was a wonderful experience for the Catholic community as the Tongans and Solomon Islanders sang at Mass each day in their island dress and their voices were so harmonious and uplifting, they lifted the spirits of everyone present.

Mayor Mark Troy attended some of the ceremonies and he was welcomed by our Parish Priest, Father Jim Reilly and it was very pleasing to see him there and making the effort to come and witness the planting of three trees as a memorial of the occasion.

While here, the visitors were taken to Dorrigo to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the Catholic community hosted a Bar-B-Q lunch and lots of special home-made treats. The atmosphere was one of simple joy and the visitors sang and laughed and shared their humour and it was pleasing to see everyone joining in and making it such a happy day. Urunga was not to be outdone as they put on a Bar-B-Q at the Sea Lido and the visitors were fascinated by the scenery and especially the Board Walk and the occasional kangaroos.

Saturday evening was the most wonderful concert where everyone contributed to making it a light hearted entertaining and memorable occasion. Our Aussie youth taught the visitors some local dances, a fun and laughter filled evening was a joy to behold to all present.

This has been a time of special grace for all who shared in the event and also bought home to us Jesus' teaching - "Go and teach all nations, baptizing them In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The evidence that these words were fulfilled was when young people came from all parts of the world, sharing their faith with us in our little community and going on to Sydney to do the same.

There were two young Priests, one from Austria, and one from India who is working in the Solomon Islands accompanied the young people. They participated in everything, but especially the daily Mass where the Indian Priest (Priest from India), touched everyone's hearts with his homilies. I actually had him billeted with me and it was one of the greatest privileges of my life as he was so Christ-like in my home and brought me much peace and happiness.