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The Good News - Fall 2008



World Youth Day 2008�Sydney

Fr. Seamus Corcoran, T.O.R.

It was a long way from here in Paraguay to Sydney, Australia, but after several hours of flying by way of Argentina, Washington, DC, and San Francisco, we finally touched down in the land of the Southern Cross, minus bags.� So, it was on to the shopping center for some things to tide me over for a day until the luggage came.� Luckily, language was no problem.� I was also lucky to have a family contact from Sant�ani where I could stay for most of the time.

Two days were lost standing in queues for inspection and trying to find the group I was supposed to be with.� I was able to tour most of the city; walking was the best way to see a lot, but the crowds were large and many times one had to go with the crowd.� So, singing and chatting we got to the opening Mass by the seaside.� It was an impressive celebration.

Walking around looking for the flag of Paraguay, I found many from Ireland, the US and many more countries. We finally found one another in the park.� The next few days were spent in group talks in preparation for the big event of the Night Vigil and the Papal Mass.

We were able to get fairly close to the quayside and greet the Papal Boat as it arrived in Sydney.� The arrival celebrations were something to behold.� The Prime Minister spoke well of the Catholic Church history in Australia.� The Holy Father spoke of the theme of the World Youth Day.

An emotional Way of the Cross was reenacted by artists on Friday through the city streets.� This brought tears to many of the youth.� On Saturday we walked to the big event of the Virgin in the racecourse; luckily no horses were around and the betting on races gave way to the candle light vigil with praying and singing.� The Holy Father gave a very challenging talk to all present.� WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LEAVE TO THE CHILDREN OF THE FUTURE!

A night under the stars passed rather quickly, with all the singing and chatting to other people.� The cold did not seem to bother us at all.

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