From Australia: Pilgrims Welcome Pope

17 July 2008

Maria Brennan is a parishioner at Clifton Cathedral and she’s just began a memorable trip to Australia for World Youth Day (WYD). Maria’s keeping a diary for cliftondiocese.com and this is her eighth entry.

This morning we had our second session of teaching at St Martha's church. This was given by Bishop Milo from the Philippines on the topic 'The Holy Spirit, the Soul of the Church'.

At 45 Bishop Milo is the youngest bishop in his country and seemed to be able to relate well to all us young pilgrims. After Exposition and Mass we had lunch on the parish yard.

But the real excitement came later when we returned to Barangaroo near Darling Harbour for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI. Many roads were blocked off to allow easy access for the thousands of pilgrims and some of their headgear was impressive!  Just have a look at the pictures I’ve sent you! 

We had to wait around for some time before Pope Benedict arrived at the site at 3.30 pm after a boat journey in the harbour. Unfortunately we didn't have much of a view but were able to hear his impressive welcoming address. Great excitement all round!

More from Australia.

Maria’s previous diary entry.

Meet more of our WYD pilgrims.

This week’s Clifton Diocese event for young people who couldn’t make it to Sydney.

Keep with cliftondiocese.com for regular WYD reports from our young pilgrims direct from Australia and Maria’s diary