On Saturday morning, on the way to the Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park) where the World Youth Day Evening Vigil and Closing Mass were to take place, pilgrims had to pass through seven “Power Stations”. Each one represented one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Courage, ...read more

After praying the Angelus, Pope Benedict had a special announcement: “The time has come for me to say good-bye – or rather, to say arrivederci! I thank you all for your participation in World Youth Day 2008, here in Sydney, and I look forward to seeing you again in three years’ time. World Youth Day ...read more

The following are the concluding words at the Final Mass addressed to Pope Benedict XVI by the president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Stanis?aw Ry?ko. Holy Father, The twenty-third World Youth Day is drawing to a close. Here before you are the young pilgrims who have come from every corner of the ...read more

The following is the Holy Father’s homily from the Final Mass at the Southern Cross Precinct at Randwick Raceway on Sunday morning. Dear Friends, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). We have seen this promise fulfilled! On the day of Pentecost, as we heard in the first reading, ...read more

The following is the Holy Father’s address to the young people at the Evening Vigil. Dear Young People, Once again this evening we have heard Christ’s great promise – “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”. And we have heard his summons – “be my witnesses throughout the world” – ...read more

The following is the Holy Father’s text from the Saturday altar dedication celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney. Dear Brothers and Sisters, In this noble cathedral I rejoice to greet my brother Bishops and priests, and the deacons, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Sydney. In a very special way, my greeting goes ...read more

If I can’t go on the Media Climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, what am I going to do for 2 hours? This was my dilemma Saturday morning as Pedro, Wally, Richard and Fr. Stefano did the Media Climb. Only four from our team were allowed, and I was the fifth! While they were gone ...read more

Last night, my dear friend Chris Valka (soon to be Fr. Chris Valka) asked me what had been the highlight of my World Youth day so far. I had no answer. I guess not much had really happened yet and in truth, we’d spent most of our time working and not really had time to ...read more

Also on Friday, the Holy Father met with disadvantaged youth at Sacred Heart in Paddington. Here is the message he shared with those present. Dear Young Friends, I am pleased to be with you at Darlinghurst today, and I warmly greet all those taking part in the “Alive” programme, as well as the staff who ...read more

Being at the Papal Welcome Ceremony earlier today, certainly brought back memories. You see, for WYD2002, I was in charge of the Papal Welcome Ceremony. I loved planning that event. I loved working with the Liturgy team, the operations team, the International Liturgy coordinator, the Vatican Master of Ceremonies, the Papal Protocol people, the Vatican ...read more