austraLasia #1905
(Have to thank a keen
observer from Johannesburg South Africa, for this one! Oh well, same
hemisphere, I guess).
The Cardinal rules the stage and rocks the
saxophone
MELBOURNE: 16th July 2007 -- One of Latin America's
leading advocates of social justice and a strong supporter of World Youth Day,
Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez of Honduras, visited Australia in April (but read
on...he's been back since!)
This charismatic man, who is
fluent in eight languages, hit the ground running upon arrival in Sydney,
attending the Caritas Youth Justice Gathering at Hunters Hill. He spoke of his
life in Honduras and his ministry in a country that continues to struggle with
its poor economic condition and crippling foreign debt. He also described the
dangerous realities of life in a country subjected to political instability and
corruption.
Yet amongst this somewhat despairing situation, the
Cardinal spoke of hope: a hope that is alive in the living Church, the Gospel
stories and the young. He inspired those present with the confidence that
everyone has the ability to make a difference - beginning with their own lives
by being witnesses to the Gospel message.
As a Salesian,
and someone who has spent many years as a teacher, the Cardinal enjoyed spending
time with the Sydney youth before leaving for Melbourne, where he visited and
encouraged young people to become involved in Melbourne’s ‘Days In the Dioceses’
and the World Youth Day celebrations.
Cardinal Rodriguez's
music skills came to the fore when he helped Aquinas College in Ringwood launch
its World Youth Day initiative. He gave an impromptu saxophone duet with the
school's music coordinator, which gained rapturous applause from the
students!
The Cardinal also participated in the National
Conference for Church Administrators while in Melbourne, addressing the
gathering as one of the keynote speakers. The conference was completed with a
closing Mass celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral, while the MCG’s Long Room was
the venue for lunch where Cardinal Rodriguez again entertained the delegates
with his saxophone.
Cardinal Rodriguez’s visit to
Australia concluded with Mass and a public lecture at Newman College. He
promised that he would return with some young people from his diocese for the
‘Days In the Dioceses’ celebrations in Melbourne next 10-14 July – no
doubt with his saxophone in tow.
_________________
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