WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 Sydney & Newcastle. The one before Madrid 2011

2008-07-27T11:23:00.009+10:00

It is very fitting to fulfill the commitment to World Youth Day and celebrate with the wider church community.
At the same time the local church has been admonished for its crimes of sexual abuse.
In an interview in The Herald, our bishop, Michael Malone, has taken the step of expressing sympathy for the victims of sexual abuse and has shifted from the indifferent legalistic approach that is often heard. The bishop has a mission to see that the church continues to work to overcome this failing.
Denial could be avoided in many aspects of life and times in this church in these days.

2008-07-25T11:32:00.011+10:00

Above: Telstra was producing photos and videos for pilgrims in Hyde Park and net service.
Not only our own piety but social justice for God's kingdom on earth in the here and now.
Messages left at an NGO Aid and development work for all countries information exhibit at Circular Quay

2008-07-23T08:35:00.010+10:00

Pop art influences.

By the wayside. At the conclusion nearly everyone was on the move.
Below: East Timorese - special visitors!

Visitors from far and wide and from Lebanon as well.

Photos from the conclusion of World Youth Day 2008.

Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam

2008-07-22T08:37:00.009+10:00

Mexican Priest recording a final video

Above: Cammino Neo Catecumenale Belluno - Dolomite Italy

On one hand the World Youth Day Pilgrims were backpackers and as such might be unable to take on a lot of responsibility and a complete program for them to follow was a good idea. On the other hand there could be scope for them to initiate liturgy or prayer.
Those parts of the program that I saw were very well done but came from the top down and were orchestrated as is the way of the church, afterall, liturgy needs to have an impact. Those very aspects are not so popular now even when they say that ritual has an age old place in humanity, nowdays some seek out an informal approach from the grass roots level. I heard that a study found that Sunday evening is a good time for young people to join any worship and is something to consider. However, I dont know very much about gen Y nor any of these questions.

2008-07-21T11:59:00.008+10:00

The Malaysian contingent had a fine set of tents.

Light cloud cover helped keep the cold night air away from the sleep-out on Saturday night but it must have been rather cold. Then the compares on stage rallied the sleepy crowds with banter and music as the time for the action drew near and after the Liturgy of the Hours and more, Pope Benedict arrived after circling high above the arena (in a helicopter!).

The Pope's words were warm and less formal than one might have expected.

The grandeur of the Mass would seem strange to some folk but it was very well done, unbelievably good solists, choir and musicians were just the start and the long ceremony was a memorable spiritual 'experience'.

Next World Youth Day will be in Madrid.

The mass exudus at the conclusion with bright flag waving crowds involved a march back to the city and the hugh size of the march had to be seen to be believed. Such hugh gatherings are less likely seen in our cities which are relatively small. It was great to have the public spaces alive with people and activity and the young visitors brightened the life of the city.

A hugh amount of organization was undertaken to allow for a festival to take place in the heart of a busy city. Ideal for keeping the program running smoothly, no stone was left unturned. However, some chaos is ok, perhaps the orderliness was overdone but this punter is grateful for the opportunity to join in and enjoy the great ease of access and unrivalled help from personnel and services

2008-07-21T11:30:00.001+10:00

2008-07-19T11:58:00.006+10:00

'The Coathanger' (Sydney Harbour Bridge) this morning was the start of the Pilgrimage to the Southern Cross destination for the next stage and World Youth Day with major events to finish the week. The distance is about 7 kilometres or so and the weather is perfect. Everyone carried all their belongings. The transport and trains services and the organization of the crowds was safe and excellent.
The photos were taken from a train and the glass windows were not clear enough to take photos well and then some better images could not be rotated and published.

Click the archives to see previous days photos.

2008-07-19T11:44:00.000+10:00

2008-07-19T11:25:00.004+10:00

Football!
Make Poverty History - Caritas Australia aid display at the old Customs House Circular Quay
The Stations of the Cross on screen. with prayer, commentary and music. The live enactment was witnessed in silence as it took place over a number of stages in the precinct.
The Choir of St Nichola's church, Melbourne were exponents of Ukranian Catholic music and Great Vespers with a Russian flavour was heard.

2008-07-19T06:56:00.005+10:00

At World Youth Day, two of the islands represented were Tahaiti, in the South Pacific and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Both are largly French speaking communities. Uncle Sam was there.The silver thermal sheets supplied to the Pilgrims were useful in the cool and as a ground sheet.

2008-07-18T12:10:00.005+10:00

Pope Benedict's Boat-a-cade sailed on Sydney Harbour and is on the big sceen at Circular Quay

2008-07-18T08:09:00.003+10:00

2008-07-18T07:57:00.003+10:00

The police were assisting so that the march ran smoothly.

2008-07-18T07:46:00.002+10:00

The parade to Barangaroo on Thursday afternoon.

2008-07-18T07:30:00.002+10:00

2008-07-17T08:13:00.008+10:00

Yesterday Pope Benedict took up residence near Saint Marys in the city. Today, he will be at the Mary MacKillop centre in North Sydney, across the Harbour Bridge, then return again to travel by boat to a public welcome on the shores of Sydney Harbour - Super Thursday!

Shrine for Blessed Mary MacKillop at Corpus Chrisiti Church, Waratah. A rose is named after her!

2008-07-16T08:24:00.010+10:00

Days in the Diocese last weekend. Happy South American folk? Click photos to enlarge. Click archives for some other photos.
More photos of the World Youth days ahead in Sydney may be published soon.

2008-07-15T11:34:00.010+10:00

The path from the Customs House, Newcastle to the Festival for Days in the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle.
More photos from 12 and 13 July 08 in Newcastle.

2008-07-14T08:10:00.002+10:00

Days in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Blackbutt Region, were drawing to a close with a farewell liturgy followed by dinner and multicultural entertainment. National anthems were launced into, mainly by Spanish or Portugese songsters and we could join in clapping to the beat.
Delicious food was served and the volunteer elders had prepared an ambitious and successful menu. The crowd moved to the hall nextdoor, on the St Pius X campus, for the concert and the moment of departure, for next day, the visitors were leaving for WYD in Sydney.

The beginning liturgy was the newish Stations of the Resurrection - Via Lucis (Way of Light).
These takeover where the Stations of the Cross end. I read, (in Wikipedia), that the Via Lucis are centered on the Resurrection and the events following from it so as to emphasise the positive, hopeful aspect of the Christian Story which, though not absent from the Stations of the Cross, are obscured by their emphasis upon suffering.
Via Lucis, which is commended by the Vatican, is a potential stimulus for a 'culture of life' which is open to the hope offered by faith in a society sometimes characterized by a 'culture of death', despair and nihilism.
So, what does Mel Gibson - director of The Passion - think about that? I believe the movie is very gruesome and is the type of thing that the above insights have in mind.

A gallant little national dance, almost unnoticeable in the crowd, was a highlight for me.

2008-07-13T11:30:00.007+10:00

Commentators say that World Youth Day in Sydney has an approach that is harking back to the olden days and I also thought along those lines when I saw the agenda. Is anyone in favour of a return to the church of the fifties? I look towards a lot of change.
However, this situation need not be confused, for instance, as a minor example, with a liking for timeless liturgy and timeless old music on certain occasions. Excellent modern hymns are composed nowdays but simple melodies and the experiential have taken on a big role. One can accept the approach that experience is 'where it is all at' but church members are diverse people and what they seek is charting unknown territory set somewhere in past experience or in the here and now even at the cutting edge.
Some critics describe religion as a construct. This goes with Pop culture with it's influential regressions and progressions and maybe the church can run with it. Pop culture appropriates the old religious icons and they become 'cool' again so is a retro theme a good idea?
By and large a discontinunity exists between Australian Catholic youth (and other youths) and with the formal traditional church community. The future is an unfolding baffling mystery.

2008-07-13T09:00:00.012+10:00

World Youth Day Festival in Newcastle yesterday in the foreshore park and on the nearby beaches as well as the old renovated fort. Something of everything for a fun time in the sun.
Care was taken to have all services there and volunteer workers were among the crowd and first aid and police officers were on duty.

Giovanni from Columbia.

2008-07-12T11:59:00.013+10:00

Columbian visitors gave us spontaneous sacred song during a Reconciliation Liturgy at Saint Therese's, New Lambton (Newcastle) this morning with drums and dancing to a fancy beat.
As well, more reflective sacred songs were sung.
The World Youth Visitors formed a procession to Broadmeadow Railway station to catch a train for the short ride into the city for a festival.

Aboriginal Australian customs were echoed in an infusion of smoke by a procession through the congregation and the didgeridoo was played.

2008-07-11T11:40:00.008+10:00

Morning Prayers for World Youth Day Pilgrims and others at Corpus Christi Church, Waratah on the feast of Saint Benedict.
(Saint Benedict's Rule is considered a powerful force in building the civilization of Christian Europe. He would have been an abbot and his significant work related to monastic life - the Benedictines. He died in the sixth century.
Trivia: Benedictine liqueur was made famous by a monk. Is this an occasion for strawberries and cream laced with the liqueur!)

Update: I believe this is incorrect in that it was really the feast day of another different Saint Benedict.
Community service by the Pilgrims. This drab area will be improved by tree plantings made close to Warabrook Station (which serves the University of Newcastle in the distance on the other side of the rail line) Another sunny, chilly, windy day.

It would'nt be Newcastle without its coal trains and one is in the background. Newcastle has one of the largest coal ports there is and it is juxtaposed with greening activities.
The city council has equipment and seedlings and works with volunteer group who join in tree planting and greening the city.

2008-07-10T18:39:00.009+10:00

Brazilian Pilgrims were gathering for a meeting in a Newcastle suburb, talking together in Portugese naturally enough. Their homestays were looking after the visitors and had taken them to see the city, which they enjoyed, and they were finding the weather very cold, which is true for all of us as today's weather is as cold as it ever gets. A light fall of snow in patches on the mountains has occured which does not happen very often. The snow is about 70 kilometres away from here.
Below, this church was being decorated and the red and yellow theme of World Youth Day was adding a splash of colour.
I read that the majority of people in Brazil are Catholics.

2008-07-09T11:07:00.004+10:00

Ceremonial Tapa Mat from the Pacific Islands gracing Corpus Christi Church for a special occasion. Several Communities from the Pacific make Newcastle their home.
The Tongan Catholic community of Newcastle and the Hunter have given generous donations to support Days in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

2008-07-08T15:16:00.009+10:00

Sydney Underground: where you're in for an-up-to-date ride!

The Australian psyche is seen in action these days. Surprises and little dramas occur in our society and the media is busy.

WYD Festival doesn't stand in the way of our rights. Countless people work hard to welcome the visitors. Others challenge the establishment and raise issues. The granting of extra police powers will be contested in court; a paedophilia case is publicised and the unionists are talking about strike action on the Sydney rail network on Thurday week.
I believe these problems will be resolved. By and large WYD is unstoppable.

Iconic Australian companies on the billboards: Akubra Hats and Arnotts Biscuits.
The company workers can be proud!

Museum Station entrance corner of Liverpool Street near Hyde Park.

2008-07-07T21:30:00.003+10:00

The famous landmark Opera House will be an extraordinary backdrop for the Stations of the Cross during World Youth Day leadup. A re-enactment will take place outside the Opera House and at other city venues on Friday 18 July in the late afternoon.

2008-07-07T07:06:00.010+10:00

Central Station Sydney where the platforms for the intercity trains are found. The Sydney suburban city rail service has platforms at an adjoining area on a lower level.

Sydney Airport Train at Central Station. The train continues into the city underground and back again.

Happy Cabby type transport is found around the airports and will provide transport between Sydney airport and the Newcastle area as well as from Newcastle Airport.

2008-07-06T10:48:00.005+10:00

Here are contrasting images of an age old religious art form .
Mother and Child in an Indigenous Australian interpretation and in the lower photo, a traditional icon that has a special place in many churches in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese (as well as elsewhere).

2008-07-05T16:57:00.009+10:00

Getting music ready for Days in the Diocese for Blackbutt North, Holy Trinity Parish in Newcastle suburbs. One instrument was the harmonica, which I have never heard in the liturgy, perfect for a bluesy note and for complementing some of the songs. The didgeridoo will make an impact as well.
There is something for everyone.
Those who look for more traditional music will be pleased with a specially composed grand and up-beat setting of the Mass for Sunday 20 July in Randwick. Afterall, I believe the Pope is a pianist and his brother is a choirmaster in Germany.

2008-07-04T22:01:00.005+10:00

Got is liefde....Je bog ljubav....Got yet em i laikn tru....Dios es amor.... Bog je ljubezen....Dieu est amour....
This icon "God is Love" is intended to promote a vital message of love among all people throughout the world and is a message for World Youth Day folk and everyone else to hear.
If you were to enlarge the image it would show that each and every line is of letters of the phrase God is love written amazingly in 48 languages.
It is the work of L Denysenko and is drawn in a technique called Literography.
According to Byzantine traditions used here, every part of the icon reveals a deep, symbolic meaning - a kind of silent sermon.

2008-07-04T08:29:00.007+10:00

Where are the labourers in the vineyard!
Days in the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle will include visits to the popular Vineyards which has attractions for all ages. The Hunter valley produces abundant wine (as well as coal in even more abundance)
Parish Church at Singleton which hosts part of the same group of pilgrims.
Other scenes from the district. Above, Bimbadgen Estate -a name with an Australian flavour!

2008-07-04T07:57:00.002+10:00

World Youth Day City.

2008-07-03T18:53:00.005+10:00

World Youth Day Pilgrims will stay in the small town of Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley. Surprisingly large murals are found on the buildings there.

2008-07-03T05:54:00.008+10:00

St Marys Cathedral Sydney. During World Youth, some question whether Pope Benedict will address the crime of paedophilia in the church ranks. Would a statement offer some consolation? Others plan to protest about issues. The potential power of the police force will have them in control of the city streets but the increase in police power has rightly caused concerns.
It will be intriguing to see how the youthful visitors will be. How will they conform?
I read that Ben 16 will arrive early so as to rest prior to the official engagements, he is elderly, and will probably stay in outer Sydney.

People have ties as buildings, it seems, have ties!

2008-07-02T10:35:00.010+10:00

Our church had a youth group some years ago and they entered the gruelling City to Surf Fun Run in Sydney. The city to Bondi Beach race will be run again soon.

Graduations. Graduation day for Year 12, Saint Francis Xavier College, Newcastle and for Overseas Students at Macquarie University Sydney.

...."Run with all endurance the race for which we are entered....
....I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race........."
Saint Paul liked using this metaphor for life. Do you want a challenge?
THE challenge!

2008-07-01T00:57:00.011+10:00

Will some visitors wear their national and tribal dress during World Youth Day meetings? That I would love to see so I hope they pack their special outfits.
A glimps of the past and a Papal visit with a difference in Hagen, Papua New Guinea, our closest neighbour.

Nupela Testamen Bilong Bikpela Jisas Kraist

Stori bilong Jisas Kraist i kamap, em i olsem. Mama bilong en, Maria, ol i makim pinis bilong maritim Josep. Tasol tupela i no wokabaut wantaim yet, na ol i lukim Maria i gat bel long Holi Spirit. Man bilong en, Josep, em i stretpela man, na em i no laik givim sem long Maria. Olsem na em i laik lusim em isi tasol. Joseph i tingting yet long dispela, no long driman wanpela ensel bilong Bikpela i kamap long em. Ensel i tok, "Josep, pikinini bilong Devit, yu no ken pret long kisim meri bilong yu Maria........."

The New Testament in New Guinea Pidgin. Neo-Melanesian. Published Bible Society 1969

2008-07-01T00:38:00.005+10:00

To reach Days in the Diocese motoring is easy enough between Sydney and Newcastle. The freeway climbs around the sandstone hills and crosses the wide Hawkesbury River but bypasses most things of interest.
Fuel and food is found at a large roadhouse closer to Newcastle. The rail line follows a similar pleasant path. No refreshments are available on the air conditioned train except tap water most of the time.

2008-06-30T08:18:00.007+10:00

A warm hat and scalf will be cool to wear on our cold winter days and World Youth Day gear is on sale. As well, I believe Target stores sell these clothes.
The back pac makes a statement in the WYD colours and is given to the pilgrims and holds a little treasury of items.

2008-06-30T07:26:00.005+10:00

Our bushland with certain trees and plants is an environment that differs from many other places.
The visitor is surrounded with new sights, sounds and smells which most of us love to experience but a few people can find this upsetting and may seek support so as to adjust.
Tree planting is a good community service that pilgrims can do in Days in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and join in greening the world. Cherish all creation!
As well, jet travel uses fossil fuel and contributes to global warming and tree planting is a means of establishing carbon offsets.

2008-06-29T01:06:00.006+10:00

Another meeting to plan Days in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle paused to reflect on words of Aboriginal spirituality and a liturgy with smoke.
Many of the visitors will be welcomed to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to spend several eventful days just prior to the gathering in Sydney.
Those who plan to take part in World Youth Day painted a cross to take with them and chose to paint in the style of Aboriginal dot painting.
This group of people at the meeting must surely see how capable they are of making arrangments and the potential they have for decision making and responsibility, as laity, now and into the future.

2008-06-29T00:18:00.004+10:00

.....In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north,
all Christlike souls are one in him
throughout the whole wide earth.

......His service is the golden cord
close-binding humankind..........

John Oxenham in Praise to God Parish Hymn Book

2008-06-28T09:45:00.007+10:00

Change is within reach.
Renewal through the Spirit of World Youth Day is open to us all.

Above, would you believe, this classic foyer of an old picture theatre has changed to become a MacDonalds restaurant.

Is Maccas a key indicator of city prices? The price of a Cheeseburger is $4.95 and the prices range up to $6.95 for a double beef and bacon burger.
Whether this represents value for money is open to discussion!

2008-06-27T09:55:00.014+10:00

The Cunard line presented us with their stunts on Sydney Harbour but that cannot compare with the arrival of Pope Benedict, by boat, on Thursday 17 July, for World Youth Day! The harbour has seen legendary events and this should be another memorable occasion.
A walk over Sydney Harbour bridge is planned for Pilgrims on Saturday, 19th July, from the north. The photo shows the northern side opposite Circular Quay.
Apart from that, the bridge can be crossed in several ways, by the usual car or train or by walking but the most spectacular way is the bridge climb up to the very top of the arch.
Meet a happy Captain Cook look-alike promoting Captain Cook Cruises which will take you from Circular Quay to the best points to join the scene on Sydney Harbour . (Cook discovered this land.)
The regular ferry services, to many parts of the harbour, will offer some views. The ferry to Manly takes half and hour or more to reach the northern end of the harbour passing waterfront suburbs, bays and headlands and the entrance to the harbour at which point it can be a roller coaster ride in rough seas.

2008-06-26T16:27:00.005+10:00

WELCOME from a Didge expert! Kooris or Aboriginal Australians use this distinctive instrument. Heard in Circular Quay.
Sydney is not only a city of buskers!

2008-06-26T16:11:00.004+10:00

Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay.

2008-06-26T09:23:00.011+10:00

Low Budget accommodation in Sydney is found everywhere and is probably literally low budget and basic. Westend and Maze Backpacker CB Hotel are fair examples in Pitt Street, Sydney. Global Gossip is for communication and heaps of phone cards are on sale.

2008-06-24T16:43:00.005+10:00

'Wake Up' and Sydney Central Youth Hostel Association for accomodation.

2008-06-24T16:37:00.003+10:00

Internet Cafes in Liverpool Street, Sydney.

2008-06-24T08:35:00.004+10:00

Signs and wonders!
Just for World Youth Day some city streets will be the domain of people not cars. The planned walk over the Sydney Harbour bridge and through the streets means that the city will be shared with young visitors in strength. Woe betide the motorists!
The yellow sign: Pitt street Closed. 2am to 5pm Saturday 19 July. World Youth Day 2008!

2008-06-23T09:59:00.005+10:00

Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, North Sydney.
World Youth Day folk can don their joggers on Saturday, 19th July, and begin a walk near this point and then take on the Sydney Harbour Bridge with vistas over the harbour and hike through the city to the Southern Cross precinct. The traffic will be stopped to make way.
Blessed Mary MacKillop followed her dreams in a big way and formed the first religious order founded by an Australian, the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Australia was first settled over 200 years ago as a British colony and Christians are relatively new to this ancient land. We relate to the saints of the church in far off lands.
Now there is hope that the holiness of an Australian, Mary MacKillop will be acknowledged by the universal Church.
Like Mary we can respond to the big challenges in our own societies, rich and poor alike. The Josephite sisters largly work in education and welfare. Mary MacKillop struggled with 'the establishment' and with church politics to achieve change.
We are all called to be saints!

2008-06-22T10:25:00.005+10:00

Returning to North Sydney to the Mary MacKillop Place Museum we see a carefree number from a trio, members of the first Religious Order, founded by an Australian, in early colonial times: the Sisters of Saint Joseph. (We are seeing Statues here)

2008-06-21T07:54:00.004+10:00

Days in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will bring some World Youth Day pilgrims to the delightful Port Stephens/Nelson Bay environment and a planned hike up the peak at the headlands is sure to be a memorable day and a mini-pilgimage in itself.

2008-06-21T07:26:00.007+10:00

School boys in straw boater hats, suits and ties mean we could be in the North Shore.
Over the Sydney Harbour Bridge (or the tunnel) and a short distance brings you to the Mary MacKillop Centre in North Sydney.
(Those blue buses can be used to take you anywhere in Sydney.)

The underground in central Sydney is fast and handy and Town Hall stop has a number of levels making it a bit tricky for the visitor to find their way but public transport is recommended. Access is improved on most stations by escalators and lifts.

2008-06-20T10:28:00.003+10:00

A local theme with Australian Flowers in stained glass.
From Corpus Christi Church, Waratah in Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.

2008-06-19T09:14:00.009+10:00

Identity, set in stone, heavy, individual, morphing, transforming

The word mob is a positive Australian Aboriginal word and the World Youth Day Mob will be very empowering and our Catholic identity will be claimed. All identities may share the faith experience.
God is encounted in community with all people.

Sculptures from the University of Newcastle.

2008-06-18T10:48:00.014+10:00

Royal Randwick. These quiet deserted grand stands will soon be echoing the events of World Youth Day. Although they can tell of other Papal visits in the past. (The grandstand was opened by Queen Elizabeth.)

As a fire is meant for burning,
With a bright and warming flame,
So we are meant for mission
Giving glory to creation's name.
....not our creeds or customs
but to build a bridge of care,

We join hands across the nations,
Finding neighbours everywhere....

The race horse stalls are empty now and racing has been put on hold, not without controversy, so that World Youth Day can have the best venue there is. The grass on the race course will be protected by some type of covering I believe.

WYD workers were busy and were about to drive into the arena to see to the project.

The Southern Cross Precinct at Randwick will be a wonderful scene with the Evening vigil with the Pope on Saturday 19 July; the sleep under the stars (of the Southern Cross) and memorable Final Mass for World Youth Day on Sunday.
A Festival continues on during Sunday afternoon.

A hugh number of good facilities are installed there and work is in progress to make it a fun, safe and secure venue.

2008-06-17T08:09:00.006+10:00

It may look like World Youth Day at Randwick racecourse but these are University students stressing out and about to sit their examinations in the large gathering rooms there. The campus of The University of NSW is nearby.

2008-06-16T17:20:00.003+10:00

The International Airport is not a great distance from Randwick Racecourse with its World Youth Day arena and a jet can be seen as a speck still climbing above there soon after takeoff.
Day or night time, a magical view over the city, awaits new arrivals.
Those long, long-haul flights will be forgotten and excitement, anticipation and relief will be yours!

2008-06-16T17:15:00.004+10:00

Does the Sydney skyline look mystical viewed from Randwick Racecourse?

2008-06-16T04:14:00.004+10:00

Randwick Racecourse arena is where it is all at on World Youth Day hence the play with words.

2008-06-16T04:06:00.007+10:00

An official World Youth Day office in Sydney is 'getting traction'!

2008-06-15T08:58:00.004+10:00

City sights and Sydneysiders will be welcoming to visitors and probably won't be surprised by anything and are typically in a hurry.
Here they are enjoying a warm winter's day, about 22C, last Thursday. Today it is very chilly by our standards, about 15C and 5C overnight.

2008-06-15T08:45:00.004+10:00

XIV Jesus is removed from the cross (Pieta) from the Stations of the Cross.
From the chapel at Lochinvar in the Hunter valley.

2008-06-15T08:16:00.006+10:00

Action and drama will be found on the city streets at the time of World Youth Day 2008 where a virtual Calvary will be simulated. The words of the scriptures will be re-enacted and the Way of the Cross will unfold so we can follow the path taken by Jesus.
Above: VI: Veronica wipes Jesus' face. One of the fourteen Stations of the Cross.
These actions will be new to the city and what will Sydneysiders make of it all? Conversion is an on-going experience.
A scriptural Way of the Cross is a more recent form of devotion that differs a little from the form we are used to and has been approved for meditation and public celebration (Wikipedia).

2008-06-14T15:05:00.007+10:00

During World Youth Day week a dramatised presentation of the Stations of the Cross will be played out in the Sydney precincts. The Stations of the Cross are on the side walls of this chapel and, although indistinct, five of the pictures are seen in the photo.
In our churches it is usual to have seating and this convent chapel is an exception with traditional pews for the sisters. The chapel was open so that visitors could see and pray in this charming little sacred space (in Singleton in the Hunter valley).

2008-06-11T10:07:00.006+10:00

The World Youth Day Cross and Icon has reached every diocese in Australia.
Religious Icons hold a special place in Christian heritage. This window, in a Hunter valley institution, is modelled, I read, after a mosaic in the Church of Saint Pudentiana in Rome. European imagery and heraldic themes were adoped by the founders of the church in this land.
This depiction of Our Lady of Mercy was assigned by the Pope to the Mercy nuns a century ago.

2008-06-10T07:17:00.006+10:00

Above us is a famous bridge and one you can walk over (car free) during World Youth Day 2008.
Sydney Harbour will be much busier than this when the Pope arrives at east Darling Harbour by boat. This is from a road that links the city side with Darling Harbour by way of a longer drive or walk under the bridge.

2008-06-08T08:55:00.004+10:00

Western side of Darling Harbour, opposite side to that of the previous posts. World Youth Day gatherings will be made in Darling Harbour.

.....We are pilgrims on a journey, we are trav'lers on the road,
we are here to help each other...
....in the night-time of your fear I will hold my hand out to you...
when you laught I'll laugh with you...
.....I will share your joy and sorrow
'til we've seen this journey through....

....let you be my servant too.

from The Servant Song from Scripture in Song. Auckland NZ

2008-06-07T14:37:00.006+10:00

Darling Harbour is also the scene of the gathering for the opening Mass for World Youth Day on Tuesday 15 July 2008.
This locality could be returned to as it crams in a lot to do and see.
The Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour will have hundreds of religious orders, groups and movements from all over the world ready to explain their work.

On another note, Sydney Aquarium takes you where you can see and wonder at the creation found in marine life and to walk, not on water but by tunnel under the water.
The Imax theatre boasts about its hugh screen and 3D and two shows at present include Dinosaurs 3D Giants of Patagonia and the Stones. I think I could safely say that creationism is not popular in the church and that dinosaurs of all types would be cool to see and hear.

Food services abound there, open areas to sit and wonder, water installations - reminders of Living Water, as well boating exhibits and museum and a small scale zoo operate there.
Ferry, buses, monorail and light rail reach Darling Harbour.

2008-06-06T15:34:00.005+10:00

Darling Harbour, Sydney, where, for World Youth Day, Pope Benedict will arrive, by boat, on Thursday 17 July 2008. A colourful boat-a-cade will accompany the Pope who will step ashore at Barangaroo just around the corner from Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2008-06-04T15:16:00.007+10:00

It was hard to believe - a busker playing a harp, of all things, but making angelic sounds!
The official song for World Youth Day 2008 has been recorded by Guy Sebastian who is often in the charts and is a fave singer-songwriter since winning Australian Idol.

The singer-songwriter, Guy Sebastian, began as a singer in a Pentecostal church community and after fame from Australian Idol (idol? that's ironic!) he entered World Idol and has been a guest on Asian Idol when he appeared in Jakarta.
He has had success in Malaysia and was in fact, born there. Memphis is his most recent albumn. As an ambassador for World Vision he has advocated against poverty and war. He was married recently in Sydney.

LYRICS RECEIVE THE POWER with International Version

Da ogni dove siamo qua
riuniti ad adorar .
Con te in festa noi gioiam
In tutto il mondo ti seguirem.

Chorus
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Receive the Powere to be a light unto the world!

2
Tu Espiritu nos Ilama
Responderemos a tu voluntad,
Testigos para siempre
De tu piedad y eterno amor.

Chorus
Bridge
Agneau de Dieu, nous t'adorons
Notre Seigneur, nous t'adorons
Pain de vie, nous t'adorons
Emmanuel, nous t'adorons

Agneau de Dieu, nous t'adorons
Notre Seigneur, nous t'adorons
Pain de vie, nous t'adorons
Emmanuel, nous te Emmanuel,
chanterons toujours
Chorus

2008-06-04T07:16:00.005+10:00

World Youth Day 2008 is getting closer. Visitors and photos at the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park, Sydney. Water is symbolic in Christian imagery.

2008-06-03T09:32:00.010+10:00

World Youth Day 2008. In Hyde Park, Sydney, where some events will take place for WYD in July.
This day an advocate for animal rights was collecting signatures for a petition to be placed before the government.

2008-06-02T13:31:00.000+10:00

World Youth Day Sydney had 46 days to go!
On the steps of Saint Marys Cathedral, Sydney.