World Youth Day 2008�Sydney
Fr. Seamus Corcoran, T.O.R.
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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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