When the World Youth Day Cross and Icon came to Christchurch last year, John Pike carried the Cross at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and his own parish, St Joseph’s, Papanui. The experience inspired him to go to World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.

Three residents, including John Pike, from the Marralomeda Charitable Trust – a community for the intellectually disabled in Redwood – are busy getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Pope.

Along with John, Karen Robson and Jill Price will attend World Youth Day with John’s parents and founders of Marralomeda, Roger and Anne-Marie Pike.

The Marralomeda group, part of the St. Joseph’s Parish pilgrimage group of 48, will travel to Canberra a week before the event for a gathering of the L’Arche community– an international organisation supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters.

This will involve creative activities, prayer and sightseeing with around 5000 other international visitors.

In Sydney, L’Arche will lead music, drama and talks. John is part of a group doing choreography for a song to be performed at a World Youth Day youth festival during the week.

Members of the L’Arche community will provide billet accommodation for the Marralomeda group.

Anne-Marie says she is always looking for ways to bring those with an intellectual disability into the community.

“I think it is important for them to participate whenever possible. They don’t just need our help – they have as much to offer us as we have to offer them. World Youth Day is a perfect opportunity to be part of something special and wonderful, to live together, and to celebrate each others’ gifts.”

She says they are all enjoying the excitement leading up to the event.

The event will be good practice for Marralomeda’s 20th anniversary next year. Though, according to Anne-Marie, they do not need much practice.

“Members of the Marralomeda community know how to party. There is already a committee in place planning the entertainment for the anniversary celebrations.”

By Angela Pike