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

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!

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.