Sunday 20 July 2008

The world came to one place for a day. All eyes were on Randwick Racecourse for an historic spiritual event, the likes of which we had never seen before. After a week of prayer, reflection and celebration, around 500,000 of the Faithful met at one place and for one reason: the celebration of the World Youth Day Mass by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

We headed out from our parish church early on Saturday morning after prayer and a blessing from Fr Ron. Some decided to walk over the Harbour Bridge then onto Randwick, while others did the shorter walk from Central Station. It was just amazing. Once we arrived, we set up camp and some rested after the early start and big walk. Others talked to other members of our large group. Throughout the day we were provided with musical entertainment from around the world.

That evening saw us gathered in groups, large and small, braving a chilly July night under the stars with around 200,000 other people from all over the world. We sang, we prayed. Pope Benedict led us in reflection and then Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament. While dinner was not quite like a home-cooked meal, we eventually retired for the night while others sang and talked all night!

On Sunday morning we were up early and packed up so that so many more could join us for the Mass. People came from everywhere! And then there was a huge roar as the popemobile arrived and made its way around the track. Some of us were so close when he went past that you felt he was waving directly at you. Everyone was so excited at his being there. Once the motorcade finished, we composed ourselves in preparation for Mass.
Mass was concelebrated on this massive sanctuary that had been created for the occasion. The Mass was a very moving experience. There were moments of silent prayer where you heard not a sound from the congregation. The gospel procession was awesome. The homily was deeply reflective. The offertory procession was a wonderful thing to watch. Distributing communion to half a million people worked as well as it does at our parish Mass. And there was a huge celebration when it was announced afterwards that Madrid would host the next World Youth Day in 2011.
We then made our way back home. With so many people leaving at the same time, it was a slow walk and we were able to talk and share with other pilgrims from around the world as we made our way slowly back to Central. Even though we were tired and exhausted, everyone continued to be so joyous and happy with singing and laughing all the way back.

The Holy Spirit was truly with us this week!

Click for some photos from the WYD Papal Mass