"PEACE I leave with you; MY PEACE I give to you..." (John 14:27)
Days
in the Defence Diocese
will be a opportunity for the International Catholic Military Community
to gather to explore faith in the unique military context. Days in the
Diocese has been a successful concept adopted for the World Youth Days
in Rome, Toronto and Cologne. It allows pilgrims to come and live for
a week with Catholics in the host country prior to the official start
of World Youth Day; thus, being able to experience and exchange culture,
friendship and the Holy Spirit with each other.
The
Days in the Defence Diocese program will see the world's military
pilgrims unite in Canberra, Australia's capital city. Canberra
is located about 3 hours drive south-west of Sydney, and about 5 hours
drive north of Melbourne. With Federal Parliament House at its centre,
Canberra is the home of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, and
along with the many foriegn embassies, it is the heart of Australia's
democracy and diplomacy. Compared to many other capital cities around
the world, Canberra is a relaxed place which blends a working city into
the Australian bush. During the day, the scenic natural backdrop will
connect you with the wonders of Our Lord in His creations. After the sun
fades over the horizon, the nightlife in the city centre will give you
opportunities to share the Holy Spirit with your fellow pilgrims over
a drink or two.
Military pilgrims will be accommodated at Eagle Hawk, located just outside Canberra, and daily activities will be based out of the Australian Defence Force Academy. Here, you will have an insight into the rich history and traditions of the Australian military. A highlight of the nearby Royal Military College of Australia, Duntroon will be your chance to visit the Changi Chapel. This chapel, brought to Australia from Singapore, was used by Australian soldiers to keep their faith alive during their time as World War II prisoners of war at the Changi Prison Camp.
DAYS IN THE DEFENCE DIOCESE PROGRAM
We are exploring a range of possible activities for our Catholic military friends during the Days in the Defence Diocese program. At this stage, the proposed program is:
Eucharistic Adoration (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament) and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available through the entire Days in the Defence Diocese. Australian priests and priests from overseas will be asked to support Reconciliation and other spiritual activities.
REGISTRATION PACKAGE AND COST
The Military Diocese of Australia is currently finalising an all-inclusive package for Days in the Defence Diocese. Some of the things we are exploring for this package include:
- 4 nights shared 'retreat style' cabin accommodation at Eagle Hawk (15-minute drive from Canberra). Pilgrims may wish to upgrade to the 4-star Rydges Eagle Hawk resort at their own expense.
- 5-day cultural and spiritual program
- 5 days luxury coach transfers around Canberra
- Some meals during Days in the Defence Diocese
- Formal Military Reception at the Great Hall of Australia's Parliament House
- Transfer from Canberra to Sydney on Sunday 13 July 2008, with Mass at the Penrose Park Marian Shrine at Berrima
- Souvenir air mattress with the Military Ordinariate’s WYD08 logo (for sleep-out in Sydney prior to Papal Mass)
* Please
note that the Military Diocese of Australia
reserves the right to alter and update this information at any time.
The cost of the Days
in the Defence Diocese package is AUD$350 per pilgrim.
Group
leaders who wish to organise National Gatherings or specific activities
for their groups during the Days in the Defence Diocese, will need
to download and fill in the Group
Activity Application Form. Please fax this to +612 9377 3059 before
31 March 2008.
