DAY #7: 7/17/08 - Sydney, Australia
Greetings from down under! We have a few more pictures for you today since we had a very exciting day as we got our first glimpse of Pope Benedict. We began the day at our catechesis session where the bishop of Perth, a city in Western Australia, spoke with us about some of the gifts that the Holy Spirit brings to us and the need for unity in the Church, among other things. From our catechesis session we quickly grabbed our lunches and walked to the train station where we traveled to Farm Cove, which was our site to view the papal arrival. Pope Benedict traveled into Sydney on a boat and arrived at Barangaroo where he led a prayer session. When he finished his liturgy he rode his popemobile through much of the city, and we were able to see him drive right by us. It was a very exciting moment, especially because it was the first time seeing the Pope for many in our group.

After seeing Pope Benedict we walked to Hyde Park where we had dinner and conversed with fellow pilgrims from other parts of the world. After dinner one group went to Darling Harbor for an event and another went to the cathedral. Security was very high at the cathedral; there was a series of gates, metal detectors, and police dogs. This was kind of surprising to see at a cathedral, but certainly understandable since there are many pilgrims, as well as a very special place to protect. The cathedral was stunning. With its pillars, high ceilings, and beautiful altars it resembled the cathedrals and old churches of the of Europe that have been around for several hundreds of years, but this cathedral is much younger; it is only about 120 years old.

While at the cathedral we were able to venerate the body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, one of the patrons of WYD. Pier Giorgio lived only until age 24, but was well known for his spirituality and love for the poor. Well thats all for now. Tomorrow we plan to attend another catechesis session, stations of the cross, and a concert by Father Stan Fortuna.

Until tomorrow,
The St. Margaret Mary WYD Pilgrims