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.