WYD 08 @ Mary MacKillop Place

We're back home now

2008-07-23T07:42:00.001+10:00

It's coming to an end

2008-07-22T07:02:00.001+10:00

Hundreds of pilgrims began making their way out of Sydney - by plane, bus, train or car. Our first car wanted to commence travelling at 6am - to beat the rush - however, the Sisters of St Joseph staying on site at Mt Street, were asked to sing at the 7.30am Mass - which we did with much enthusiasm.

From left : Sharon Dick, Janette, Murphy, Anne-Marie Gallagher (NSW), Janette Foxe (NSW), Jill O'Loughllin (NZ), Geraldine Larkins, Julia Della Franca (WA) & Mary Ryan

However, we were delayed slightly by the community of French pilgrims from Denver, Colorado who were at the Mary MacKillop Chapel for a 6.30am Mass - concelebrated by 11 priests.

Along the way we past many buses filled with pilgrims. Half way along the journey we were stopped in Tarcutta for a licence check and a breathalyzer - well done Sharon for passing the test!

A quick stop at Albury was a fun event - just a coffee and refreshment stop at Zo'i. We began speaking with Rob and Janina, the owners, who were interested in our trip to WYD. I want to keep the Kevin Rudd theme happening here - Janina is shown holding a cup which our Prime Minister might have used as he visited there just last Monday - what a coincidence!

The Pope of hope

2008-07-20T22:47:00.001+10:00

An early start for a lot of Catholics in Sydney today – for us – it was 7am set off from Mount Street, North Sydney.The walk from Central to Randwick was peaceful and full of people. Sign posts along the way – counting down the kilometres.

The scene as we entered Randwick was different to any we had seen before at a racecourse or outdoor mass. The pilgrims had slept out during the night and kept vigil.Monica had her sign ready to welcome the Holy Father.
They tell us that 400,000 people were at Randwick – what an enormous crowd. And at the end, the majority tried to leave together – which meant very crammed streets – however the mood was very jovial – but somewhat crowded.

The pilgrimage walk commences

2008-07-19T22:23:00.000+10:00

As part of the experience of World Youth Day – the pilgrimage walk commenced at North Sydney – groups were allocated times to head off – with the first being at 5.30am – together with the WYD Cross & Icon. So today, some of us ventured off-site again.

This was the scene that greeted you mid-morning in Blue Street outside North Sydney station.

Until 2pm, there was a constant stream of pilgrims making their way across the bridge - some signing, others praying, some holding up the line to take the 'photo opportunity' that the Bridge had to offer.

The walk was 9.5 kms to Randwick. The Liturgy Guide provided prayers for the different sections of the walk – prayer at the beginning, prayer over the bridge, prayer through the Sydney city streets, prayer while passing the power stations and finally, prayer near the end of the walk.

There were sign posts to help you on your journey along the way.

And finally, when you think you have seen enough people on the journey – look who I found on my way home – just under the bridge at Kirribilli.

Yes, I couldn’t believe my eyes either. The Prime Minister and I had a great talk about Mary MacKillop.

The day after Super Thursday .....

2008-07-19T00:26:00.001+10:00

Things returned to some sense of normality for us all at Mount Street after the excitement of the visit of the Holy Father. Groups started arriving early, and there was a steady stream throughout the day – right through till 8pm – although we had a group of about 100 for the evening vigil at 9pm.

Here the Lismore group arrives early – with Fr. Slack – sorry Father Slack, they tell me its only in name and not in nature.

Chi brought her friends to visit ‘headquarters’. Chi received the Mary MacKillop Award in her last year of College at Penola in Broadmeadows, Victoria.

Julie came with her two friends – she turns 24 next Tuesday and was also very excited about her visit to the Mary MacKillop Chapel.

Always a friendly face welcomed the volunteers at Registration. Great to have Kate O’Connor at the desk today.

Some Swan Hill friends spotted Rita in the Chapel – it’s a small world.
The Epping Parish were waiting for Mass to begin at 1pm with the Vietnamese visiting group.

A unique experience for Rita was translating for a Polish group – lucky the one common language amongst the eight people was Italian.

And to finish the day – coffee with friends who came for the Evening Vigil – good to see the Alphington group.

MMP.... the place to be.....

2008-07-17T23:07:00.000+10:00

Lots of slogans today for His Holiness – ‘B16’ ‘Pope of hope’ ‘Benedict is a hit’ 'Benny in his jet'.

All I can say, was that it was an overwhelming, surreal and truly prayerful experience to be present at the Chapel with Pope Benedict XVI this morning.

While we were in lockdown between 5.30 am & 8.30 am, the young pilgrims camped out to get the best view of the person they’ve come to see.

Did Janette really wear the thongs for His Holiness, in true ‘Aussie’ fashion?

Even the choir loft was filled with photographers and journalists, hoping to get 'that' photo or 'that' story.

And finally, the moment arrived ..... in great style at 9.45 am.

For us Victorians, we were proud to have Josephine, our Provincial Leader, speak to him in his mother tongue. He was thrilled to hear it from an Australian. Josephine was the first to speak to him after Anne Derwin.
Here we all are - pre-Pope's visit - from left : Sharon, Josephine, Geraldine, Rita, Mary & Janette.

It was even great to see his red shoes close up.

After the excitement of this morning – it was time to join the 150,000 other pilgrims for the Papal Arrival at Barangaroo.

The VIP seating had a great view. The green bags on the white chairs - what's in them? Today was water, a poncho in case it rains and a fruit & nut bar.

Look who I found getting off the Pope's boat .... great to see Kath Sweeney.

What a site at another wharf - the Cardinals and Bishops, waiting to board their cruise - after the Papal arrival.

And it continues ....

2008-07-16T22:54:00.000+10:00

It was a quiet start to the morning – a bit cold if you were rostered to be standing in a shady area of Mount Street, Shore Oval or William Street. The afternoon saw much sunshine and a steady stream of pilgrims.

Various groups were represented – Phillipines, Germany, Maronite Community – I even managed to find the Sale Diocese – although that was easy – they were booked in for a visit to the tomb at 5.30pm – all 319 pilgrims!!! I tried to take as many photos as possible – apologies to those not featured in this blog.

What a great view when you standing in the queue - no, I haven't even used photoshop.

One of the experiences of the visit to the tomb, is writing a prayer petition – this happens both at Shore Oval as well as at the tomb.

Just wanted to explain a little tradition that happens at each WYD. People swap things – mainly badges from their own country – today, a group from Southern Deanery in Brisbane – had rainbow coloured scarves, knitted by a pilgrim’s grandmother – and so Margaret and I swapped our scarves!

And then, just when you thought you were having a quiet time in the Chapel, here comes a friend. Great to have you here Doreen – pictured here with one of the oldest pilgrims, Jack.

Mary MacKillop Place is all abuzz tonight. Wonder what’s for breakfast tomorrow? Eggs Benedict? The Coffee Crew are serving Pope-a-cinos ……

WYD begins ....

2008-07-16T07:33:00.001+10:00

Things have been happening all over the place in Sydney. Pilgrims are everywhere, and given it was a bright, sunny day – it was enjoyable for all. Today the five Victorian Sisters were placed in many different areas – some to the Convention Centre for the Vocations Expo and the others in various places at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney.

Rita was on duty at 6am on the door outside the Chapel on Mount Street – and these photos show the two groups of pilgrims for the 6.30am pilgrim’s mass. (Sr Julia from WA is the volunteer with the group)

The pilgrims came in their hundreds today. We managed to find many groups of Victorians amongst those that came to visit MMK Place (from Glenhuntly, Lilydale, Aquinas College, Penola, Balwyn North, Geelong). At some points of the day, there was a wait of an hour to get into the Chapel – but the pilgrims didn’t mind – they kept themselves entertained.

The Vocations Expo at the Sydney Exhibition & Conference Centre was popular with the pilgrims. You never know who you are going to see ...

In the afternoon - some of us set off to Barangaroo for the Opening Mass.

The view behind us as we were walking with the pilgrims.Some views from the 'pods' as the pilgrims were arriving.

Sharon got caught up in the crowd walking to Barangaroo.

Janette was busy signing for the Deaf Community, whilst Geraldine was busy from the afternoon being an ‘escort captain’. Mary Ryan came from the Conference Centre in time to find her ‘pod’ to be an Extraordinary Minister of Communion.

Australia’s youngest nun was travelling on the train to get to the events.

We all ended the day together –

finding each other amongst the thousands of people at the Opening Mass at Barangaroo –

we even managed to find Jo Brady, a Sister of St Joseph from Tasmania.

From left : Rita Malavisi, Sharon Dick, Mary Ryan, Geraldine Larkins, Jo Brady & Janette Murphy

Wonder how you get a pass like this one?

It's getting busy ....

2008-07-14T19:15:00.000+10:00

Have you heard that Mary MacKillop Place is open each day from 6am? Not sure how many volunteers are required each shift, but yes, there are many.

There was great celebrating this morning at 7.30am with an Aboriginal Liturgy, together with a smoking ceremony and procession.

Rita was off-site today at a Merchandise stand.

Mary Ryan attended the Conference Centre at Darling Harbour for some 'bumping in' and getting ready for the Vocations Expo.

Geraldine was happy to accompany Yvette Nehme, to pick up the passes. Keep your eyes posted at the opening liturgy as Yvette is receiving communion from Cardinal Pell.

Sharon and Janette were posted in various places on Mary MacKillop Place.

Over 1,000 pilgrims were booked in for the day - not counting the pilgrims that just walked in 'off the street'. Central station was a-buzz with pilgrims.

In the city, at St. Mary's Cathedral, the coffin of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati is a popular place for the pilgrims. He died in 1925 at the age of 25, after having shown that a life of charity in the service of justice can be lived in joy and peace. Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati is popular with the young people of the world.

The pilgrims start arriving .....

2008-07-13T22:04:00.001+10:00

Today some of the pilgrims started arriving at Mary MacKillop Place. Small groups were booked throughout the day.

Sharon was based in the Exhibition area for a while, and found her Novitiate friend, Tracey Tohl.

The pilgrims enter via the main gate of Shore College, and move to Shore Oval.

The First Aid tent is ready for action on Shore Oval.

Yvette Nehme, the WYD Co-ordinator for the Sisters of St Joseph, is having a busy time booking in pilgrims. Tomorrow (Monday) there are already 1,000 pilgrims booked in.

The volunteers are heading to ACU - MacKillop Campus for their meal breaks.

Our first day at Mount Street

2008-07-12T22:54:00.002+10:00

All was in great prepartion for the pilgrims to visit Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. The pilgrims will have the chance to attend Mass, visit the Tomb, as well as visit a Special Exhibition set up in Isabel Menton Auditorium.

After a very chilly and early set off from Goulburn (-5 degrees), the second car made good time arriving in Sydney at 9.30am, dropping Geraldine off at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, so she could attend the practice for the escorts for the Extraordinary Ministers of Communion.

Sr Judith kindly attended to our 'icy' car. Whilst Sharon and Geraldine prepared themselves for the journey.

Volunteer registration was open from 6am this morning at Australian Catholic University, where we picked up our volunteer packs and rosters. It's going to be a busy week.

Anne-Marie Gallagher (Australia's youngest Catholic nun) setting up one of the merchandise stands.

Julia Della Franca and Leonie Bell setting up on the merchandise stand.

Mary Ryan and Sharon Dick are enjoying being volunteers on the merchandise stand.

Rita Malavisi has found her favourite stand - with the Coffee Crew.

Geraldine Larkins found the shop from Mary MacKillop Place has needed to relocate during the World Youth Days.

It was a little quiet with the pilgrims today, with them still being at Days in the Diocese. Bigger numbers are expected in a few days.

Travelling to World Youth Day

2008-07-12T22:44:00.000+10:00

The first car set off early on Friday morning with Mary Ryan and Janette from Melbourne to travel to Sydney with two members of the John Pierce Centre. They travelled directly to Sydney in one day - stopping for refreshments along the way.

The second car started its journey from Harrietville, seeing Geraldine pick up Sharon and Rita from Wodonga Station. They travelled as far as Goulburn, and found the Sisters of St Joseph in Goulburn to be most hospitable.

The Victorian Josephites Head North

2008-06-25T21:17:00.000+10:00

"If our intention is pure and we have love in our hearts we shall have God with us."

Rita, Geraldine, Jannette, Mary Ryan and Sharon are all heading north to help out with World Youth Day events both at Mary MacKillop Place and the Vocations Expo.

To keep everyone back home informed of all the happenings Rita's going to be providing us all with a 'photo-journal,' a collection of photographs of what they're doing, the young people who come to visit and everything in between.

Here's a few to keep you going until the action starts, from the camera of Mary Ryan during the World Youth Day Cross, Icon and Message Stick visit to the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, East Melbourne: