WYD begins ....

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?