For fifteen years on Easter Monday, young adults from Somascan parishes in Western Australia have been trekking across the white sand of WA’s Coogee Beach with Rosary Beads in hand.
It is a cherished tradition of public witness that has brought so many youth, and their families, together in prayer and friendship.
With the NSW parishes of Moorebank and Holsworthy joining the Somascan family, this year’s Easter Monday ritual was set to go national on 13 April … until the spread of the coronavirus caused the closure of churches and public gatherings.
Adapting to this new situation and following the lead of others in Youth ministry across the country, Somascan Religious Br Sheldon Burke CRS and Somascan Movement Australia decided to take the Rosary Walk online.
On Easter Monday, 15 young adults in Western Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania joined together virtually to pray for their families, the nation and the Church.
“In this time of self-isolation, it was so important that we continue this tradition, coming together as a spiritual family, to pray for one another and the Church,” said Br Sheldon Burke CRS
The cross-country collaboration continued as 40 youth from the Somascan parishes in WA and NSW gathered once more, with those from St Felix Bankstown, for a recitation of the Holy Rosary on 15 April.
The youth were joined by Moorebank/Holsworthy parish administrator Fr Mathew Velliyamkandathil CRS and assistant priest Fr Chris De Sousa CRS and led by Brother Sheldon Burke CRS.
Somascan youth members from Moorebank and Holsworthy parish will continue their CARE nights, featuring live-streamed Adoration, recitation of the Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, on the first Friday of every month and be able to participate online in Lectio Divina, catechesis, prayer and mission planning on alternating Tuesday nights.
Any youth who wish to be part of youth ministry at Moorebank parish can contact the parish office for more information.