World Youth Day - Sunday

Before I left Tasmania I had arranged to ring Chris Wisbey, ABC local radio presenter in Tasmania, at 2am on Sunday morning (10am Tasmanian time) to let people at home know what was happening and how we were traveling as pilgrims.

While I was waiting to call I decided to try and find out if I could get into the area over the hill to concelebrate and found that the gates at Access 3 were (somehow) broken and they we're
working to fix them so I would need to go to Access 2 which was some 3km away. I thought about it for a short time and knew that if I went there I would almost certainly not see our Pilgrims anytime soon.

I went back and checked with Emily Mallett and Chris Clear, who were also going to speak on the ABC program and we chatted briefly about the kind of things we would say. When I rang I got through right away and almost immediately we went to air. I think we went ok and from the few comments people received by text from home it seems that a few people heard it and that was good.

About 6am the event MC's woke everyone up and after announcing that there were some more missing children and for I formation go to Medical Centre 3 they also announced that the winds during the vigil last evening had destroyed some of the Blessed Sacrament Chapels and because of the destruction it was not possible to distribute Holy Communion at Mass. So we were at another World Youth Day mass and not really able to participate.

The Mass itself was quite beautiful, some of the singing was really great but sadly the homily was only given in Spanish, not even a summary in any other language, so we felt somewhat left out.

If you have been reading this blog and the Tassie Devil blog you will know that l had been given a little Tassie Devil by St Joseph's Catholic School at Rosebery. I had decided that I would bring him along on the trip, write (type) his blog for him and then send him off with another pilgrim to a new country and a new home. Along the way, Thursday night at the Papal Welcome, I had met some Irish pilgrims from Kildare and after chatting said that I would look out for them on Sunday to give Tas to them to take back to Ireland.

With the mixup about getting into the arena for the Final Mass I found some young pilgrims from New York and so Tas is heading home with them and they promised to send a photo of his new home which I will add to the blog.

On the way to catch the train back to our accommodation - I suppose you will guess what happened. Yes, the group immediately behind us as we walked along was this same group of Irish Pilgrims asking if I still wanted them to take Tas to Port Laoise. I had to tell them that he was already heading off to the USA but they were ok about it.

The train trip again was hectic and difficult - an hour in the sun waiting to get into the station. The security people were only letting so many into the station at a time in order to protect people on the platform from being pushed and shoved.

Eventually we all got back and had showers and changed and then we were back onto more trains to go to an international Soccer Friendly put on by the WYD Organisers as a fun ending to the week. We had been told that it only rained about four times a year in Spain - well after last night we didn't expect another downpour but we got it and most of us managed to get very wet and uncomfortable. The game itself was ok with the World Team beating Spain 2-1 but no other top teams need be concerned about losing to them.

Then another difficult train trip with much pushing and shoving resulting in one of our group getting a badly strained ankle later requiring hospital treatment. Eventually everyone was home and so to bed as we are off at 9am tomorrow for our retreat centre.

World Youth Day - Saturday

We were able to have a slow start to the day because we didn't need to be on the road until early afternoon.

So after breakfast I went looking for a supermarket and, quick as a flash, noticed that were lots of police and barricades along the Calle Grand Via and figured out that the Pope must be traveling down the road at some stage this morning.

I waited about 30 minutes and sure enough he came down the road but of course I didn't have my camera with me - I mean you don't expect to see the Pope when you head off to the supermarket, it certainly doesn't happen when I go to the supermarket in Queenstown.

After getting some things to make the journey to Cuatro Vientos a little more pleasant I headed back to our accommodation and got my things ready for the trip, walk and overnight wait for the final Mass of WYD 2011.

I'd been in contact with +Adrian who joined us about 2.30pm as the small groups were finishing some reflection and journaling time and we prayed and he gave us a blessing and sent us on our way.

The train trip was a bit of a battle as all of the trains were full and so we broke up into our small groups arranging to meet at the last station. Eventually we all arrived and started the walk to Gate 3 where we were to enter to go to D2, our designated spot.

It took some time because there were 1000's of other pilgrims traveling in the same direction and when we got near the gates the first serious problem arose. The photo with today's blog shows the kind of landscape we were going to moving into and it certainly didn't get any better the closer we got.

After walk some distance we were told that the gate we wanted to enter was shut and not likely to be opened so we had best find ourselves another spot so we settled into an area where we had sufficient room although we were some distance from a screen to see what was happening because there was a high bank between where we were and where the Pope was to be tonight for the Vigil and tomorrow for the Mass.

We survived the early part of the evening were geared up for the Vigil but we had some slight concerns as the were huge clouds building up in the distance and moving towards us. When the Pope was addressing the crowds the heavens opened and he was forced to stop as lightning, thunder and wind shook the place leaving lots of damage and plenty of soaked pilgrims. Thankfully I had my space blanket which became a more than adequate wet weather shelter.

After the Vigil had finished and the Pope had left I settled back to reflect on what was happening and concerned that if we were so far away would we be able to receive Communion tomorrow or would I be able to even get into the area to concelebrate the final Mass.

World Youth Day - Friday

Another long day but this one seemed to work well from the beginning.

Headed out to the catechesis centre and found Archbishop Mark Coleridge and a church that was not crowded out when we arrived. We also learnt from +Adrian that +Mark had arrived at a centre yesterday for his catechesis but no-one else did!!

The presentation was good and the questions afterwards went well and then we headed into Mass which was led, musically, by a Sydney Antioch group and that was also good.

We stayed around the centre for a bite to eat before heading back to the Love and Life Centre, air-conditioned, for two sessions. The first on the role of Catholics in the media and the second on prayer. +Adrian stayed for the first one and then headed off for the Stations of the Cross. We stayed and at the end of the session we were told that they were going to live stream the Staions onto the Centre so we made the decision then and then there to stay and watch in comfort.

The Stations were unusual as they were all large sculptures from various Spanish communities - one took over two hundred people to carry it when it is moved in procession. The WYD Cross was carried between the Stations and the prayers were said at each spot - I will be looking at using the Stations during Lent next year.

Then we caught the Metro back (in two groups) - one changing trains to miss a big station that would be super crowded and the group I was with staying on the train and walking a few blocks back to our accommodation. Both groups arrived in time to get our dinner but everyone was really high afterwards and it took some time for people to come down and go to bed.

Our plans for tomorrow involve a sleep in and then free time to get ready for the trip to Cuatro Vientos - the place for the vigil and final Mass. Before we leave we will gather in small groups and, hopefully, +Adrian will be able to here to give us a blessing before we head off.

I spoke to Chris Wisbey, Tasmanaian ABC Local Radio presenter, about an interview from Cuatro Vientos sometime about 10am (Tasmanian time Sunday). Now bed and, hopefully, a good sleep.

World Youth Day - Thursday

Today was a long day with a lot of traveling.

We headed out after breakfast to listen to Archbishop Mark Coleridge give the morning catechesis. When we arrived at the Church it w already packed out but we managed to find some space on the side. After the animators did their job they welcomed the speaker, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. His talk was good but again it was very American in style - all hale and good fellow. Nothing wrong with that but more pizazz than we are used to.

The mass was crowded but a good celebration and afterwards we headed out to Retiro Park where we stayed for the rest of the afternoon - some small group work and then time to wander off and see some of the exhibits that were scattered around the park.

The park is close to Cibeles Square where the Pope was welcomed to World Youth Day this evening. By the time he arrived the whole place was crowded out and, although we managed to glimpse some of the arrival on the big screen, it was simply a sea of people that moved together as it was almost impossible to move individually.

After the Pope had left we waited as people headed off for a comfort stop before commencing the walk back to our accomodation. I stayed with two of the group who had injured feet, one an ankle, the other a stubbed toe. It took us quite some time and while I attempted to find a taxi we had to walk all the way back, arriving too late to get a meal at our meal centre so we headed off and got salads from one of the local food shops.

It is now extremely late and time for bed - the others have just arrived back from dinner and it is 11.30pm and the atmosphere across the road is rocking so it will be a hard night to sleep.

World Youth Day - Wednesday

Another action packed day today as we headed off early to try and find a place where we could celebrate Mass as a group. After not really being part of the Opening Mass last night and feeling a little left out of Monday's celebration in Burgos we found a quiet little alcove in a nearby park and celebrated Mass there.

After Mass we headed off to the Cathedral and the Palace and found that we couldn't get into the Cathedral immediately because they were preparing for the Pope's visit later in the week. But we sat in the shade until we were able to get in and see the ornate design and style - apparently it really isn't to the liking of the locals but looked impressive to us.

Then it was outside and a long wait in the sun for the Palace - at least an hour but when we got inside it was really impressive as well. In one room the were three Stradivarius Violins and two viocellos but the ornate decorations and style of the other rooms were equally stunning. Overall the wait was worthwhile but made me aware of the wealth that must have been Spain when it was the dominant power in the world.

After a quick bite to eat the group split into two and headed off to different youth events. Our group headed off to a lecture by an American - Christopher West - who spoke on the teaching of Blessed John Paul II on the Theology of the Body. It was not a theological presentation as such but fulfilled it's role as youth presentation with music and hype. I found it intestine and will be looking to read some of his more theoretical work later.

We had arranged to meet the others at a concert that Fr Robert Galea, a priest of the Sandhurst Diocese was giving at 7pm but our event didn't finish until 7 so we headed back and had our dinner and then prepared to attend the Flamenco Stations of the Cross just close by. We arrived about 8.45 for a 9.30 start but by 10pm it still hadn't started and I started to get the cramp in my right leg so I headed back to our accommodation and now I'm heading for bed.

I've just caught up with some of the group who had been to Rob Galea's Concert and they said that it was great so they were happy. Some of them have headed across the road to Plaza de Espana for a concert that is on there now - I can hear it from here so I'm not sure whether they actually need to go across the road.

World Youth Day - Tuesday

Woke early and then dozed as it was so hot. Headed out to breakfast with the others and then onto the Metro to get to Plaza San Juan de la Cruz to get my accreditation. Actually found my way easily and arrived about 8am and found out that the centre wasn't opening until 9 so settled in for a long wait.

Luckily a young volunteer asked me where I was from and after learning I was a priest went and asked when I could be processed and came back a short time later and took me through and I filled out the paperwork and got my card. I walked out of the centre and got into a taxi and headed back to Plaza de Espana which is right opposite our accommodation and where our groups were meeting for some small group reflection and journaling.

We regathered about 10am and headed off to the big centre where all the Australian Pilgrims were gathering for the Welcome celebration which was really great. It was a real Aussie affair and great to see so many Aussie youth gathered together. +Adrian caught up with us at the end before we headed outside to have our lunch and then he headed off to his accommodation and we headed off towards the Cathedral and Palace.


Unfortunately so did 1,000's of others and it was impossible to get anywhere near either place so after a short time of trying we headed back to our 'place' and got readyd for the Opening Mass tonight. I had decided that I would stay with the pilgrims rather than concelebrating the Mass so after our evening meal which took forever we headed towards Plaza Cibeles but didn't get too close at all. The setup is that the main groups arrive in the Plaza and others are in the surrounding streets but unfortunately we only had tv screens, little sound and heaps of people who were easily distracted and groups arriving late and singing and disrupting everyone.

Eventually, after trying to get closer and a better chance to hear we headed back towards Plaza de Espana and found another TV screen and with the use of radios we were able to be part of what was going on. At communion time I gave the group a blessing and then we sang Communion Hymns and became the centre of attention for the people using the Plaza as a stopping place on their way home.

Carter an eventful day with lots happening I've got home and now am about to hit the sack. One of our pilgrims has not been traveling that well today so the groups was split tonight, some have headed for bed, some are heading over to the Plaza for the concert and others, like myself, are heading for bed.

Monday - Burgos to Madrid

I had hoped to be able to upload photos of our travels but at this time (Wed morning) I can receive emails but haven't had any luck sending any as yet and the only way I can put photos on the site is via email.

We were able to have a late start today because the Feast of the Assumption is a public holiday in Spain and we were not able to do major visiting of shrines etc. We got into the city of Burgos around 10.30am and made our way towards the Cathedral and found that a major celebration was occurring in the Plaza outside the Cathedral for the Feast Day.

After a short explanation of the area around the Cathedral we headed off to look at some of the areas around the city including the major Plaza after which we broke into our small groups and spent time journaling and then getting some lunch.

The original plan was that we would celebrate Mass at 1.30pm but it had been suggested that we join with another group at 2pm so we said yes. Unfortunately it was one Spanish priest, no other groups and our pilgrims, the majority of the congregation, feeling as if they were left out. The experience of the mass being ceebrated in a language other than our own will happen again but they weren't prepared for it today.

After mass we headed back to the road where we got back on the bus for the final journey into Madrid. Everyone was tired but happy to be finally getting into Madrid.

We moved into our accommodation and it is basic Uni housing. Bunk beds, common bathrooms and toilets and one washing machine for the whole building which is housing Sale, Sandhurst, Ballarat, Wollongong, Hobart and some of the Perth Pilgrims so most of the washing is hand washing but drying is just hanging in the window and it dries quickly.

Had our meal at a local cafe which is feeding the same number of people and now bed as I need to get up early to head out to find the place where I can collect my accreditation as a priest for later in the week.

Sunday - Loyola

Mass this morning was in the Chapel of Sts Cosmos and Damian. We didn't read the info sheet well enough and nearly missed because we arrived just as Mass was about to start - more of an issue for +Adrian because no-one was aware that he was a Bishop and it was all very ordinary but otherwise good.
After Mas we headed back to the hotel and then onto the bus and into Spain to Loyola where we visited the birth place of St Ignatius and spent some time in the Cathedral Church built on the site of his family home.
From there we have travelled to Burgos where we will stay overnight and then travel onto Madrid tomorrow after Mass and a visit to the Cathedral here.
Dinner tonight was a very interesting event.
We started with Paella and extra helpings if you were too slow to say no. The main was chicken and chips - but it was a whole leg of chicken not just a drumstick. Then we finished with a creme caramel (or whatever the Spanish equivalent is called.
Now bed as we have a slightly later start tomorrow and I'm hoping to make the most of it.

Saturday - Lourdes

This morning we headed down to the area outside the Basilica's (I say Basilica's because the are 3 built on top of each other).
We found the chapelle of Jean de Arche and celebrated Mass. Later we managed to see some of the relics inside the middle Basilica but both the top and bottom Basilica's were closed and will be again tomorrow so we will not be able to see them at all.
Later we walked through another Basilica, the underground Basilica, and saw that the International Mass which was supposed to be celebrated on Sunday was actually happening (see photo above). We also missed being part of the English speaking Pilgrims Mass in the Grotto but that can't be helped.
From there we visited the places that were significant in Bernadette's life - where she was born and lived and some of the places that were special to her. We ended our tour at the new Parish Church which has the Baptismal font from the Church where she was baptized.
Later we met a remarkable woman who had experienced a cure in Lourdes and who now speaks to groups around Australia about her cure and faith.
Then it was back to the area in front of the Basilica's for a performance presented by a French Actor/Director. It simply told the story of the Gospel as Our Lady might have told Bernadette. It was enjoyable but I struggled because I had to stand for the whole time my feet we killing me at the end but I was surrounded by people in wheel chairs so I really am quite lucky and shouldn't complain.
Tomorrow we head for Spain but it is an early start.

Friday - Lourdes

Today has been a difficult day as we needed to be up at 3am and then onto the bus by 3.45. A couple people were almost late - they were still asleep 10 minutes before we were due to leave and needed help to pack their bags so they could be on the bus before we left.
Then when we got to the airport we found that the guys behind the counter was so slow that he needed at least 3 cans of Red Bull to get his heart started.
But because I am a pilgrim not a tourist I am now aware that getting upset about how I was feeling is not pilgrim behavior and I hope to be better in the future.
This afternoon we have been doing quiet things and some small group work and journalling - sadly a couple of people were so tired that they struggled.
Things have just changed on our itinerary for the next few days and it is possible that we might be going to the candlelight procession tonight - we are and wearing our Australian t-shirts.
More about this event either later tonight or tomorrow.

Mass in the Vatican

This is the Chapel where we celebrated Mass today - our Mass in the Vatican.
Really special moment for me and I know that everyone felt much the same.

Thursday - Rome

An early start this morning meant that we were on the road to the Vatican by 7.20am. By the time we managed to get into the Basilica it was almost 8am, the time we were due to celebrate Mass. As it happened being a few minutes late meant that we were able to be given a different altar to the one organised for us and it worked out much better.
We then caught up with our Vatican Guide, after walking round to the Museum and bypassing stacks of people who were there early to avoid the crowd - one of the advantages of being in a tour group. Our guide was a typical Italian - she spoke a million miles and hour with a strong accent - so different to the lovely guide we had later for the Scavi Excavations.
Her knowledge of the Vatican was extensive and the tour even though a bit breathless was brilliant. It was really special going into the Sistine Chapel because the last time I was there the restoration was just beginning - now it really looks brilliant.
After some lunch, almost a third of us at the same place, we headed off for a few different activities. Some went to Castel de Angelo, some went back into the Vatican, some went shopping and a few of us went down to the River Tiber and spent time relaxing and journaling.
Mid afternoon we headed off back to the Vatican - this time we went to the Scavi Office and, in three groups, toured the space below the Basilica - all three levels.
Each group came out blown away with the experience and the way our guides made the whole thing come alive. Each of them offered something really special to their presentation and so it was great for every one.
Back at the hotel and just finished dinner and now bed because tomorrow really is an early start. We are heading for the airport leaving here at 3.45am. Perhaps the only good thing about the morning is that we can say we have been to Brussells. There is a good thing happening in the morning and that will be meeting up with +Adrian in Toulouse before we continue onto Lourdes for the next two nights

Wednesday - John Lateran Basilica

Another of our visits today was to the Basilica of St John Lateran - the Church of the Bishop of Rome.
After enjoying the wonder of this ancient Church we headed across the road to the Holy Stairs and although we didn't climb them I was aware of the majesty of the place.
After that we went to the Church of the Holy Cross we went to the Trevvi Fountain, the Parthenon, the Church of St Louis the French and finally Piazza Navonna.
All in all today has been a busy day and we have seen many of the sites of Rome but we have been too busy to be able to do everything.
Tomorrow is the Vatican and the Scavi Excavations

Wednesday - Mass in the Catacombs

One of the highlights for me today was the visit to the Catacombs di Domitilla - and with it the opportunity to celebrate Mass in an ancient gathering space for the early Christians.
The tour of the catacombs was also impressive as we learnt that some of the things I thought I had been taught about them at school were in fact exaggerations. But to know that there are well over 100 kms of tunnels and 150,000 people were buried there - many of them much later than the first groups of martyrs - was amazing.

Roman Forum

After we left Catacombs we traveled to the Colosseum passing the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. All of them deserve a day wandering amongst the ruins of what we magnificent buildings and a tribute to the genius of the Romans. Unfortunately our schedule did not allow that much time at any of them so we spent more time around the Colosseum learning it's history.
As I was returning to our bus I met up with Fr Bernie Graham who is traveling with Pilgrims from Salesian Schools and Parishes around Australia - he seemed in good spirits and was looking forward to Madrid.
After the Colosseum we travelled to the Basilica of St Mary Major where we spent some time after lunch experiencing some of the wonderful architecture that is present in so many of these impressive buildings.

St Paul's - Continued

This is one of the side altars made of really impressive material which truly stands out - as you can see it is bright green.
We were also able to see the outside of the tomb in which St Paul is buried - the Basilica had been built by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th C over the place where early Christians had recalled the burial place of the Apostle.

Wednesday - Tour of Rome - St Paul's Outside the Walls

Today was a hectic day and I managed to take heaps of photos but am having trouble getting them to the blog - at present I am emailing them so there are not a lot to see at any one time.
This first one is from St Paul's Outside the Walls.
Rebuilt after being destroyed by fire it contains materials sent from all over the world as is a wonderful example of what can happen when people work together. It took over a century to rebuild but it is truly worth it.
After we had been the I learnt that it was also the Church where the Australian pilgrims who had travelled to the canonisation of Mary MacKillop celebrated Mass the day after the ceremony at the Vatican.

Tuesday - Siena, Orvieto and Rome

Today was an early start as we headed off to visit the city of Siena. After arriving inside the walled city we walked to the place where they have the annual race (to be held next Tuesday) and then continued onto the Duomo where we spent some time looking at the place where St Catherine and her life are remembered.
The work that we did earlier on our Ad-venture preparation certainly paid off as the places where we have visited have been special.
After Siena we traveled to Orvieto - and traveled on the funicular to the Duomo. We had arrived in good time so we were able to get a bite to eat as well as look around the town before spending time in the Church and then celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Sacred Cloth. So far the three places we have celebrated Mass have each been special for different reasons and I'm certain that the places we visit in the days ahead will also be very memorable.

Monday - Assisi

Our first night in Assisi we managed to visit the Piazza at the centre of the town where Daniel showed us some of the sights including this ancient Church that had been build on an Etruscan Temple - but said that we would learn more about it the next day when we were with our guide.
The visit to Assisi had many highlights and I will look forward to being able to get some photos together later of the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels where Francis began his journey, of the Basilica of St Francis where his body is buried and some of the places where both he and St Clare lived, worked and prayed during their lives.
I was fortunate to be able to celebrate Mass in one of the chapels of the Basilica of St Francis - I was joined by a Divine Word Missionary from South Africa who was traveling with some friends.
The whole of the experience was really special and highlighted why Assisi is such a place of prayer and peace - something we could all learn from.

Leaving Australia

Our trip from Tasmania to Melbourne - the first stage of our journey to Madrid went uneventfully with everyone arriving at the airport at Launceston on time and raring to go.
After collecting our bags at Melbourne airport we travelled to the city and visited the Eureka Sky Deck with its awesome views of Melbourne.
From there we travelled to St Patrick's Cathedral where we spent some time before heading back to the airport to check in,celebrate Mass and grab a bite to eat before boarding our flight to Rome via Dubai.
Mass was celebrated in the office of the airport chaplain, Major Winton Knop, who looked after us wonderfully and presented us each with a cross to take with us on our Pilgrimage.
The flight to Dubai was long (over 14 hours) and most of us arrived in Dubai tired little vegemites. The was a couple of hours break there before we headed off on the next stage of our journey to Rome where we arrived late morning and by the time we collected our bags and waited until Reg arrived (he travels in his own special section of the plane) it was early afternoon.
Our guide Daniel was there and welcomed us and guided us out to our transport where we met our driver Andreas who has been looking after us since.
We headed out of Rome and, after a couple of rest stops, we arrived in Assisi where we settled into our accommodation for the first night - an early night for me as I was pooped

Rosebery Catholic Education Week

Today at Rosebery (Tuesday) we celebrated Catholic Education week with a Mass for the School and Community. After Mass I had my photo taken with two of the young people of the Parish and their Mums - Sophie and Mary are part of our Sacramental Program. 

St Joseph's Catholic School, Queenstown

Today (Monday) I celebrated Mass for the School as part of Catholic Education Week 2011. After Mass a couple of the children joined me as we gathered round the Prayer Support Poster and reminded the School Community of the journey the Pilgrims are about to embark on and some of the places we will be visiting.