We're back home now

It's coming to an end

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

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

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 .....

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.....

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 ....

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 ……