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.

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.

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!