World Youth Day

Sydney was the host of the annual Catholic 'World Youth Day' last week which attracted over 200,000 pilgrims from around the world, along with Pope Benedict who made his first visit to Australia and apparently the longest journey of his life to get here. There were events in the city from the Wednesday through to Sunday when a final mass was held at the main racecourse in the city.

The city and suburbs were full of young people from many countries who were distinctive in their WYD backpacks and many groups were carrying their national flags. Caroline had been into the city on Wednesday and experienced the atmosphere and we then went with Rebecca on Friday to watch part of the 'Stations of the Cross' event, which was being acted out at different points of the city. We started in the Domain park which was full of people infront of a large stage and TV screens and we saw the second 'station' live before we moved down to Circular Quay.

The Opera House forecourt was packed and so we waited on the harbourside to see 'Jesus' carrying the cross by barge around under the bridge to the Darling Harbour area where the final parts of the performance - the crucifixion - was completed as the sun was setting.

The weather has been excellent all week, although cold, but it couldn't have been better for all involved at this time of year, particularly as many were camping out at the racecourse on Saturday night before the final mass. The city is now getting back to normal after lots of road closures during the event and the airport is going to be very busy over the next few days as all the pilgrims leave!