Wednesday 23rd July

Day 19

Tuesday merged into Wednesday as we were flying from Sydney to Hong Kong, arriving in Hong Kong early Wednesday morning. There was time for a bit of last minute shopping in Hong Kong Airport before bording our final flight back to London. We touched down in the aftenoon and were met by minibuses to take us to various parts of the diocese. It was time to say our final goodbyes tyo each other.

Thank you God for the many blessings we received on World Youth Day 2008.

Tuesday 22nd

Monday 21st July

Sunday 20th

Saturday 19th

A  hasty start for some to meet a contingent of Cambodians, including two priests and a seminarian, for coffee with the bishop - at the very nice 5 star hotel the bishops stayed in. At midday we ate lunch and then set off on a walk to Randwick racecourse. An encounter with anti-catholic protesters and much African drumming later we arrived at the racecourse to be issued with our food and take our place. Much waiting around ensued.

After lovely evening prayer, and Eucharistic adoration with the Pope and an after-prayer concert, everyone settled into their sleeping bags, cardboard boxes or similar for the night ready to endure the cold - some taking the route of finding the heaters in the Eucharistic adoration tent.

Friday 18th July - Catechesis and Stations of the Cross

Day 14

We all got up early this morning to have breakfast, which was OK but fairly uneventful... we left the hotel at 10am and walked to Darling Harbour for Cathechesis, which was given by bishop Michael Solomon of Colorado. The theme was the workings of the Holy Spirit in day to day life and how it can support us as part of the trinity.

After half an hour free time for shopping (some great souvenirs were bought - including objects made of kangaroo paws and other furry parts!) we went to Barangaroo to see the Stations of the Cross.

We had a long walk but the atmosphere was great and we met more people and sang till we were hoarse! However, we did not have very good seats. Some people managed to see the dramatic reprisentations, which were reported as amazing. Some members of the group couldn't see so went for a small detour around Sydney, shopping or a walk over the harbour bridge was popular.

In the evening many Youth Festival events were visited, including a concert and a talk from a reformed criminal (John Prigmore). It was very inspiring!

Hope you are all well we send our love,

Purple group

Thursday 17th July 2008 - Catechesis and the Pope arrived

Day 13

Some of us woke up sharply this morning in traditional sunny Sydney! We have had a full day of activities beginning with catechesis given by the Archbishop of Birmingham, Vincent Nichols.

This time two of the three priests managed to make it on time!! He spoke very clearly about the activity of the Holy Spirit within the Church, and of we who are the Church needing to listen and co-operate with Him.

Straight after Mass we sat in the lovely surroundings of Darling Harbour for our lunch (baked beans, tuna and chocolate), fountains, flowing water, grassy patches and convenient seats. The food is noticably better than the previous WYD.

After our first group photograph with the newly created East Anglia banner it was quick march to the Domain where we settled down on the grass surrounded by thousands of international pilgrims - some of the less common counties present were Qatar, Brunei and Tonga along with all those one would expect.

We were awaiting the arrival of the Holy Father and saw him, on a large TV screen, coming down Sydney Harbour surrounded by young people in his boat; and then being greeted at Barangaroo.

Later, after speeches of welcome and a homily from him, we saw him in person zooming past us in da popemobile. We screamed, he smiled and many photos were taken mostly of blankness but Dominic managed to get a very good video clip.

And so to supper in the gathering dark, and dancing in the longest conga in the southern hemisphere (Guniness book of records, are you reading this)!

The scribes then rushed back to report this to you guys. Then back down William Street, (we are getting to know it and its hill quite well now!) to the Cathedral for our timed visit at 8:30pm, the central point of the pilgrimage, where the relics of Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati have been brought from Italy for our veneration. Enough - over and out, lambs.     

Wednesday 16th July - Catechesis and Youth Festival

Day 12

Today was another beautiful sunny day in Sydney. We had a fairly relaxed start and headed down to Darling Harbour for our first Catechesis session in the exhibition hall. We were treated to a talk from Archbishop Ignatious from Joss, Nigeria. He introduced us to the 'mosquito clap' ZZZZzzzzzzzzz....Clap!' and spoke of the Holy Spirit as being central and inspirational in the life of the church. He told us that 'God has made us all different but we should never be Indifferent to each other' that we have a duty to to intervene in situations of injustice and suffering, by prayer and action. We learned of the 'five fingers of prayer' and that the greatest challenge for young people in the church is to "see things as Jesus would, judge in the light of faith and act with Christian conviction." We then celebrated Mass together and gathered outside by the harbour for an inspiring meal (a tin of tuna or a tin of beans!)

The afternoon was an open opportunity to go to some of the many events, talks, performances, forums or exhibitions on offer throughout the city. In small groups we headed off to explore and experience. Music ranging from the austere setting of the Sydney Opera House to the party atmosphere in Hyde Park and outside with dancing on the steps. A few of us took up the CAFOD challenge to find 25 different nationalities of pilgrims and get them to record a message for the UK & Wales. Everywhere we turned people were more than happy to oblige, the most impressive being the Brazillian group who accompanied their message with drumming, singing and dancing on the street. Everyone had a fantastic day. 

We are looking forward to tomorrow when we officially welcome the Pope to WYD Sydney!

God Bless from Group 6

Tuesday 15th July - Opening Mass

 Day 11

We began today with a welcome lie-in, or at least a slow start!

We left at 10am to walk to Barangaroo to wait for the Opening Mass. The walk was great as EVERYONE was walking our way!! We met people of many nationalities, all with their tee-shirts, flags, songs , dances and smiling faces.

Us Brits feel very welcome and liked, mainly for our accent! Tea at the Palace and all that!!

On arrival at the site (finally!), by the water, surrounded by modern high rise office blocks, we received our first WYD food! Pretty good lunch........meat pies, drinks, Lammington and fruit. Groups of six, seated on the ground is the system!

We were entertained until Mass began both musically and mixing socially. The sun shone and the atmosphere was great.

The Mass was magnificent, led by George,Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, hundreds of Bishops and priests. It was uplifting, to say the least. The Music was superb and the WYD hymn is becoming SO  familiar. We love it!

We were welcomed by the Australian Prime Minister, who spoke in several languages, then in a special way by the Aborigine 'owners of the space.'

Our picture will show the colour and ceremony of the whole experience.

After Mass an excellent concert, with the Australian girls choir, Tempest, a young Opera group, the winner of Oz Pop Idol and an acoustic guitarist and singer and a soul singer had us dancing in the aisles!!

Fireworks over the harbour finished another wonderful day.......the first BIG event of the pilgrimage.

Temperatures dropped drastically at sundown, a warning to wrap up on Saturday for the vigil!

God bless and love to all families at home, from Group 5 

Monday 14th July 2008 - flying from Townsville to Sydney

Day 10 - We got up early this morning, after packing frantically the night before and split into two groups.The first group were picked up at around 8-30am for their direct flight to Sydney. The second group remained at the school to chill out until they left at about 10am. However the second group drew the short straw, They had to change flights at Brisbane, get their baggage and rebook onto the Sydney flight all in 50 minutes. The first group arrived in Sydney and booked into the Formula 1 hotel where we were staying for our week in Sydney. Then some of us dragged various leaders around shopping! The second group arrived some time into the afternoon, hot and tired after their trek. To finish off the evening we split into our seperate groups and went out for dinner/bonding session. The Orange group strike back

Sunday 13th Last day in Townsville

Day 9

Our last day in Townsville has been great. We have come to really appreciate the hospitality of the people of Townsville (especially for all the amazing food!)

After a mass with the local parishoners this morning, which was followed by morning tea, we headed to the beach for the last time. We had yet another barbie and then departed for the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart where we met up with all the other Townsville pilgrims.

After being plyed with even more food, we performed an enthusiastic rendition of 'Let it Be' and 'Rise and Shine' to many cheers (mainly from us), before a beautiful evening prayer complete with candles and the full international version of the official World Youth Day song.
Bonza! Team 9 xxx

Day 8 - Saturday 12th - day in the community

Day 8

This was our day in the community where we spent the day giving back something back to Townsville. Some spent the day playing sports and painting with disadvantaged children at a 'Buddy Day' organized by SVP. Others spent the day with the residents of the old people's home attached to the convent where we are staying. After cakes, a sing-a-long was enjoyed by all.
The day finished with a very generous BBQ for 800 pilgrimsat the local lifesavers club on the beach. The East Anglian group led the dancing followed closely by the Irish. Fr. Michael surprised us with his energy and agility on the dancefloor!

Day 7 11-7-08 - Billabong Sanctuary

Today we went to Billabong Sanctuary, which was both fantastic and relaxing.  There we saw a range of Australian wildlife including koalas, snakes, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies etc.  Here are a few photographs including Bishop Michael taking a walk on the wild side and apparently enjoying himself:

Helen Riley and Michael Beard were photographed by the local (Manchester UK J) paparazzi. 

A number of us took pictures hugging the animals and they all came out really well. 

We also found out that ponies are the most dangerous animals in Australia, killing more people than crocodiles and snakes by over 20 to 1. 

Koalas are lazy, sleeping for 20 hours a day, needing a break after half an hour and having every third day off.  Crocodiles can go six months without food as the weather gets so cold for them (not us!) that they cannot digest their food. 

The wallabies and birds were very spoilt and we were able to feed them for ages through cages. 

In the afternoon, we went back to Townsville and visited the Culture Centre, where we witnessed excellent Aboriginal dancing and both the girls and the boys joined in…in their own style.  Aboriginal women are classed as very important as men are apparently incapable of picking fruit. 

The Reef HQ had amazing life-forms and we saw a wide display of coral reef, fish, sharks etc.  On the downside, the history museum next door should be avoided at all costs! 

A top tip from Laura:

If you get injured, ask Yanni to go easy on the Tiger Balm.  Poor Laura’s shoulder is on fire! 

Day 6 - Magnetic Island!

After Indiana Jonesing it through rainforests, waterfalls and coral reefs, today we had a trip to Magnetic Island, the reason Captain Cook landed at Australia. We had a rough ferry ride to reach it but there were some amazing photo opportunities for those brave enough to stand on the top deck.

We spent the day on the beach at Horseshoe Bay chillaxing, swimming and in the girl's case, trying to achieve something recognisable as a suntan. The day was uneventful until coral and a dead sea mollusc caused an array of accidents. Charlotte bravely dealt with a cut to her foot and first aid administered by the lifeguard, Baywatch style! Joby also received cute to his fingers after being over curious with the local wildlife. Both, however, are completely fine and now have some brilliant stories to tell their grandchildren!

After a gorgeous lunch, several people braved the sea to partake in Tube Riding. Pictured are Poppy and Lindsay who you could probably hear screaming from England! Fr David, Mary and Fran thought it was a prime photo opportunity so there are now many embarrassing photos in existence...

In the evening we had a World Youth Day opening mass which all pilgrims staying in Townsville attended. We met pilgrims from all around the world and began swapping mementos representing England and out hometowns. Particularly memorable were the lively Canadians who were surprisingly hyper for so late at night!

That's all folks! Stay tuned for more fun from Oz; wish you were here!

From the light green team :D

Day 5 - 9/7/08 - Rainforest

After another early start, we embarked on a journey to the rainforest. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing. On the way there we stopped off at some rocks with a waterfall for a bit of climbing and a swim. On arrival we were greeted with some original Aboriginal cream tea, before we started our activities for the day at the Gumburu Catholic Environmental Education Centre.

These were:

• Artwork using natural materials.
• A blindfolded sensory trail.
• A talk about the relationship between our faith and the environment.

A quick stop for a hotdog lunch. After lunch we did:

• Learning traditional Aussie songs and playing along to them with spoons and other traditional instruments.
• Christian meditation in the rainforest.
• A walk through Paluma Rainforest.

Today we encountered other international pilgrims, also on their way to WYD, for the first time from the U.S.A. Poland and Canada.

We finished the days activities with some afternoon tea and lemmingtons. Back at base we had a mass and at dinner we met the Papa New Guineans who are also staying in St. Patrick's College with us.

Pictures from today to follow.

Off to Magnetic Island tomorrow.

God Bless

Team Cyan

Day 4- First day in Townsville

After our epic journey across the world with hardly any sleep, today started off with an unbelievable lie in... 7AM was breakfast!

Today we have been exploring Townsville; playing volleyball, shopping, paddling in the sea and having a chance to relax by the beach.

Also today we celebrate Fr Martin Fears' 8th Anniversary of his ordination, which will be celebrated tonight with mass at the school's church. 

The local press came down today to photgraph the group by the beach and this afternoon we will be exploring some more and getting to know the whole group.

Bye bye for now....

Group 4- Orange\

Day 3 On to Townsville

7th July

Hong Kong to Townsville via Brisbane. After half the journey has already gone we successfully managed to board another Cathay Pacific plane, 20 mins delayed due to some troublesome passengers wanting to rearrange seats, but finally took off, but they ran out of food and were very slow with the drinks, which did not go down well. not much sleep for some- internal body clocks had gone wrong due to 7 hours ahead!

 Arrived in Brisbane and successfully managed to get through customs although most of us got sniffed by quarantine dogs looking for signs of fruit or wooden items. they are strict on what you can bring in to Oz, but they let us all through eventually.

Nice folk in the airport but we had to get on another two flights, the check-in lady was a little fraught because she ran out of time and most of us had the wrong boarding passes for all her efforts. 

 Now 9 hours ahead of English time and totally exhausted. we retraced our journey north by two hours to land at Townsville.

 The Bishop of Townsville met us at the airport along with two of his helpers and we got buses to our accommodation for a week: a boarding school for girls on the beach front. palm trees, sand and the pacific ocean viewed from the front, but frankly most of us too tired to take it all in.

The girls getting very much the pick of the rooms with balconies and a good gym set-up with a view of the beach. supper; bangers and mash and plum pudding with custard. most people really tired but some still struggling to go out an explore but tomorrow is a free day to get out and about or have a lie in and catch up on sleep.

Day 2 Hello from Hong Kong!

6th July

Hello from Hong Kong. It's wet and hot! We went up to the peak to look at the city and went on a ferry. We are waiting to get our flight to Brisbane. Not a lot of time to spare!

-Purple Group

Day 1. Heathrow

date: 5th July

We have made it to Heathrow! had a delightful picnic at South Mimms and have just had mass with Bishop Michael. Off to terminal 3. Whoopee! Next stop Hong Kong.