Today started off with a hilarious morning activity – Father Gerry Conlan and Father Paul Smithers leading us in their very own style of “oblate aerobics”. It involved high speed genuflecting, spinning, signing of the cross, and blessing actions. Now we know where the oblates get all those tight muscles!
Next we moved into the meeting room for a beautiful morning prayer in which the whole group joined together with songs and prayers. We were also inspired when all 10 oblates stood infront of us to renew their vows. This was followed by a talk by Damien Coyle on “The road to Holiness”. Despite some technical difficulties, it was an awesome talk! Daniel Kelly and Damien improvised a hilarious skit exploring the life choices that we are all faced with, and left the whole room in laughter. On a more serious note, Damien reminded us that we are all called to be holy and that we are all capable of reaching holiness. He pointed out that even the greatest saints had flaws but they still managed to lead holy lives.
Following the talk, we split into our small discussion groups to discuss the issues from the talk. Next we joined with our sister groups to prepare a short skit. We were told that the Saint of the New Millennium was soon to be chosen. We were asked to present a skit advertising the founder of our chosen religious order as a candidate. We only had half an hour to prepare the 5 minute skit, but the end results were amazing! Father Harry, dressed as the pope had the final say on the best all round performance. A difficult task considering the high quality of choices – Foster Grump (a dorky, accidental hero), Arnold Schwartzenneger, Barat (A foreigner with many talents and many many children), The Godfather’s niece (who’s uncle killed off all the other candidates), Master Road Walker (Star War’s very own saint), Greatest Good Daniel (a angry pyromaniac) and Fr Phillip Smithers (Paul Smither’s alter ego)! In a tight battle, the final winner was Foster Grump. Well done guys!
The afternoon included a huge array of exciting information about the future. Marc Johnson started off talking about his journey through Oblate Youth Australia from a tiny little baby to a “Man” (Fini was sceptical about the man part, but we know it’s true). Fini spoke to us about the journey of OYA and where it is headed in the future, and invited us all to take an active part. Loretta wet our appetites with talk of World Youth Day in 2008 in Sydney, and the Pre World Youth Day International Oblate Youth Gathering 2008 (what a mouth full!) to be held in Melbourne.
In our small discussion groups, we had an opportunity to provide feedback about camp. Then we had an affirmation session in which we spent time telling each of the members of our small groups how great they are and what we love about them! Yay for warm fuzzy feelings!
Finally it was time for dinner. BIG thanks to the cooks who blew us away this camp with their “home style” cooking all camp. We gave them a huge round of applause that went for ages because we were so impressed!
For the rest of the time before Mass, some played volleyball, some chatted, some played cricket and tennis, and other musos just kept on strumming away. We gathered for our final Mass in which Christian gave us powerful homily, telling us that Humanity is our journey, Christianity is the road map, and Holiness is the destination. He urged us all to never lose sight of this important destination. We think our sign of peace should go in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest ever with hugs and kisses all round (to over 100 people!). As usual the Mass ended with a bang! Singing and dancing and music pumping just kept on going and going and going till the early hours of the morning. According to tradition, the states went against each other in a musical battle – all trying to outdo each other. Not to mention, late night volleyball on the freezing sand, board games, RNB dancing in the meeting room, and a HUGE buffet of yummy supper sweets.
All in all a wonderful day, a great way to round up camp, particularly since it went till 3am!
--
The Oblates renew their commitment and Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience: Michael Daniel, Harry, Paul, Gerry, Christian, Mark and Andrew.
--
Mass is setup for the closing celebration: note the shoes marking out the shape of a cross — reflecting our journey.
--
Helene and Greg get into the groove with dancing and singing after the Mass.
--
The boys from Iona lead the community in “Shake Your Tail Feather”.
--
Andrew, our Oblate student, ponders the encounter that has been.
--
Oblate Aerobics at the start of the day: led by Fr Gerry and Fr Paul — How’s the Piety!
--
Fr Fini and some of the group.