WYD Blog – Sydney July 2008
05. Jul, 2008 
23 Comments
WYD – Day Nineteen
Wed 23rd July
Well, here we are, Flight 1, home safe and sound, thank God, with a good night’s sleep behind us! The final stage of the pilgrimage was this major journey everyone was exhausted after the hectic activity of the past couple of weeks, together with the emotional rollercoaster that we all seemed to be caught up in at times………I have just been in touch with Judy from Ryde, and they are all well there, but missing the K & L crowd. There are lovely messages here on the blog from some of our hosts, and according to Judy the feedback on our group from host� families and other parishioners is very positive.
The community in Boorowa are lonely for you as well�indeed some of them made the journey to Randwick to share a little extra time with their pilgrim friends. Well done to all of the pilgrims, you have been wonderful ambassadors to World Youth Day, on behalf of yourselves, your families, your parishes, your Diocese and your country!
We will spare a thought for Paul and the gang on flight two as they are still at the half way stage on the return journey, and pray that they will have as good a trip as we did.
Sometimes people can be negative about the role of young people in our Church, or about the lack of participation. Sometimes I have heard people refer to young people as the future of our Church. World Youth Day shows very clearly that the young Church is alive and well, and very much here in the present!
Over the past couple of weeks, I am delighted to have been part of the World Youth Day experience�the life and energy of all of you, and of the bigger picture of the worldwide Church has been good for me!!!! World Youth Day isn�t just for young people at all…….
I have seen your commitment to your faith, your care for each other, the respect that you showed for us as leaders, and the great fun we have had. I have watched new friendships being formed, and I have made new friends myself. I have really appreciated the support that each of you have given to me personally, and the way in which you participated in all the activities, with such good humour, even when you were exhausted!!!!
We have really been alive, awake, alert and enthusiastic…….. May it continue for all of you!
To flight three, I can never tell you all how much we all missed you, and we are thrilled that you have your pilgrimage to look forward to next month. My admiration for the way that you dealt with the awful situation that you found yourselves in is indescribable.
I am looking forward to seeing all of our K & L pilgrims again; we will be in touch very soon
Thanks be to God for a wonderful experience!!!!
Trish
WYD – Day Sixteen
Sun 20th July
We have just arrived home from the Vigil and Mass with Pope Benedict.� All went very well.� You were all remembered by us during the Mass.
We are a tired bunch of pilgrims at this stage as our focus turns to home. The packing has begun!
Thanks to all who have contributed to the blog, your comments and prayers are very much appreciated by all of us here. To �Group Three�, I look forward to meeting you all soon on our return.
Again thanks for your support
Please God we will travel safely over these days..
Fr Paul Dempsey
Update
There are a number of ways to�look back at�the World Youth Day events on line.��There is an excellent media player within the official website for WYD 2008 – www.wyd2008.org Click here to see video archive�of all of the major events.
WYD – Day Fifteen
Sat 19th July
Hi all,
Today, Saturday, we head off on our pilgrimage walk to Randwick Racecourse. This evening the pope arrives for a prayer vigil, then he heads off and we remain under the stars for the night! The weather has been very good in Sydney, but it gets very cold at night, so think of us out in the cold when you�re tucked up in bed!
On Sunday morning the pope returns for the Mass at 10am.� Following the Mass we await the announcement for where the next WYD event will be held. Our focus then is on the return journey.
Thanks to all who have contributed their comments on the blog. To Frances, Katie, Jodie, Mairead, Mary, Lorraine, Sophie at home, it is so heartening to hear your comments. Fr. Liam told me that you were an extraordinary group in the way you have all handled a very difficult situation over these days and weeks.
I look forward to meeting you all when I get back. You have been very much apart of our exoperience out here, constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Will remember you all in a special way during the Mass on Sunday.
God bless,
See you soon,
Fr. Paul
WYD – Day Fourteen
Friday – 18th July
Here we are at day number….not actually sure, but I know it is Friday…………..
Yesterday was a very big day for all of us, as Pope Benedict arrived in Sydney Harbour by boat.
After our catechesis session in the morning, we travelled together to Barangaroo — quite an adventure in itself. Once we get into the city centre, we join each time with streams of people coming from every direction, all singing and waving their flags.
Some of the group are becoming real entrepreneurs — the Irish Flag is much sought after by other nationalities, and all sorts of deals are being made for food, tshirts, flags, badges, jewellry and other bits and pieces.
Once we arrived at Barangaroo yesterday, we had a long wait to be placed in our corral — once again I am amazed at the good nature and patience of this group — not a moan to be heard. They just kept singing!
Our wait was worthwhile though, as our site is very close to the altar. We had a fantastic view as Pope Benedict led us in prayer.
Today we will be in the same area, on the right as you look at the altar, so if anyone is watching you might spot us!� We are easily identified by Conor McCaffrey’s Irish and Australian flags sewn together, and two flagpoles, courtesy of Gus in Boorowa, which hold two Irish flags each. (See update below)
Before that thought, we will have a very special catechesis with our own Bishop Jim. All the group are looking forward to that — he has spent a lot of time with them over the last few days, and they are delighted to be able to get to know him.
Please God things will continue to go well for the gang here! Keep us in your prayers, as we will keep all of you in ours!� Photos will be worth the wait………..
All the best to everyone
Trish
WYD – Day Twelve
Wed 16th July
Greetings from sunny Sydney…
First of the long walks happened yesterday… from our parish in Ryde to Barangaroo on the Sydney waterfront.� The Kildare & Leighlin group got the flavour of the WYD atmosphere as the crowds converged on the venue for the opening Mass.
As we made our way along we joined with young people from every nation and made sure that we flew the Irish flag and shared many Irish songs.
The sense of excitement is starting to build as pilgrims continue to arrive in the city.
Today we had our first catechesis session with Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor of Westminister Diocese in London.� He shared his own faith story with us and really impressed the pilgrims with his relaxed style and sense of humour.
Cardinal Brady of Armagh and our own Bishop Jim joined in the celebration.� The Kildare & Leighlin group organised the music and song for our Mass together and there was great delight from the other Irish dioceses as Mary Deay led the choir at communion in a beautiful rendition of “Our Lady of Knock”.
Tomorrow we head off to welcome Pope Benedict to the shores of Sydney harbour…
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at home as we continue this journey of faith together…
God Bless,
Fr Paul and Trish
WYD – Day Ten
Mon 14 July
Sunny Sydney at last!!!!!!
A good day today, with free time for the pilgrims and for their families to get to know each other! We arrived yesterday, and registered officially, and now we all have beautiful necklaces with our pilgrim passes and our food vouchers in them. Very important items as we begin the real pilgrimage part of this journey.
Last night, Bishop Jim celebrated Mass for us here in St Charles, together with our own priests and those from Armagh who have joined us here. Today we expect Clogher, a Mexican group, and some Canadians to arrive as well.
Today the gang spent the day exploring and shopping, while Paul and I sussed out the routes and venues for the next few days…….
After a false start, we finally ended up heading in the right direction and found Barangaroo, which had been right there the whole time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow we will travel as a group for the opening Mass there. It is on the waterfront, near Circular Quay, so we managed to get a glimpse of the Opera House and the Bridge…….Wow!!!!!
Most of the group did the tourist thing today, and a couple of them saw the WYD Cross coming into the harbour.
The atmosphere is building, with groups from all over the world arriving. The music and dancing on the streets has begun, and the flags are out. Our lot haven’t been together in the city as a group yet, but just wait till tomorrow………..
Love to all at home
Trish
WYD – Day Eight
Sat 12th July – Boorowa departure
Our St Brigid’s Crosses have arrived thank God — too late for the presentation, which was a bit embarrassing for us, but they came in last night and we will be unveiling and blessing the Boorowa cross this morning before we leave.
It’s great to be leaving it in a church that already has a beautiful stained glass window of St Brigid, and with people who are almost as Irish as we are!
Today we really venture into the unknown — we are leaving at 10.30 for Canberra, with no idea of where we will be sleeping tonight, or indeed if we will! All we know is that our luggage will be stored overnight, and with the weather here, we will be holding on tight to the sleeping bags, and unpacking the thermal blanket that was part of our survival kit! A sign of things to come…………..
The Sydney Morning Herald has a feature issue on WYD in general, but the Boorowa News here has produced a feature issue on our group. We will bring them home naturally, but I think maybe you could check them online.�
I can honestly say that emotionally we have experienced everything from utter desolation to the ultimate joy here in Boorowa, and the people here have been with us every step of the way!
Love to all back home
Trish
Sat – July 12th Boorowa
Awww man… it is COLD!!!
I didn’t really believe that it was snowing… now I think it’s too cold to snow!!!
We’re leaving Boorowa today… everyone wants to stay!! The people here are amazing!! It’s a cool little farming village in the middle of nowhere… like seriously… no-one’s phones work! We’re totally cut off from the outside world!!! How wierd for all our Irish text addicts to actually have to talk to real people!!!
And we have sheep living in our KITCHEN!!! Very different from our lifestyle back in the urban wonderland that is Clane!!! ha ha… it’s been great though… The people are so welcoming and lovely!
Hi to everyone back home… We really really wish you were all here… We’re gonna take so many pictures and videos that you will think that you were!!!
xxxxxxx
Ashleigh & Claire
WYD – Day Seven
Fri 11th July – Boorowa
Here we are at the end of our stay in Boorowa-Binalong-Galong. It’s difficult to believe that we have come to the end, and difficult to believe that we came here as strangers!
At this stage, we are greeted by name as we walk down the street, and we are not just friends, but family.
Tonight we had our final Mass together, as a group, and even managed to get Fr Brian and his gang back into town — apparently they were having too much fun on the farm to join us before……
Huge thanks are due to the whole community here — we thought Irish Hospitality was something special, but the people here have shown us how it should be done!
This morning we visited the local Hospital and Boorowa House nursing home, and sang for the residents and patients there. Some very special moments for all of us, and I think we pilgrims got more out of the experience than those we visited.
We met Jim, who loved our rendition of Danny Boy, Norawho at 101 years old is more glamorous than we are right now, and Kathleen whose roots are in Kildare Town, as well as many others.
This afternoon, some of the group had an Aboriginal Cultural experience, others went shopping, and others spent time with their families We also met our Samoan friends under the leadership of Sr Paula, who will journey to Canberra with us tomorrow.
Farewell till we meet again Boorowa, and as Arnold Schwarzenegger said — we will be back………….
The Epistle of the Trek of the Shamrock People to the Land of Oz
And the time came to pass that the children of the Shamrock People grew restless and beat their shields–and sayeth to their leaders — Verily we tell you, we are bored!
And the elders of the Shamrock met in Council, and they hatched a plan despicable to rid the land of rebels, and send them to a faraway place, lost in the midst of time and distance; a land called Down Under — the land of Oz — a land where they eat exotic food called a vegemite sandwich.
And the elders of the Shamrock sayeth — Is it not true that we sent many trouble makers to that land of Oz in years long gone, and they did not return?
So they plotted to send their worst rascals on a pilgrimage to convert the children of the Vegemite Sandwich to the ways of the Leprechaun.
And the Children of the Vegemite beat their chest and they cried back — IN YOUR DREAMS!!!!
So the Shamrock people cast about and found a place so strange they boast of running sheep in a thing called Woolfest; and they have a Shamrock Trail in their village to find their way home.
That place was called Boorowa; the seat of the High Priest called Beath of the large family.
The children of that place fell back in awe and sayeth — Verily has any other man so many aunts, uncles and cousins????
And the High Priest cried out — We challenge you to come; we will place you in fear and awe of our land of wonders and legends!
And the Shamrock children called back — IN YOUR DREAMS!!!
So in the fullness of time, the Shamrock rascals came and were taken to places prepared by a war council of the High Priest.
The Shamrock Leader was one of great power named Dempsey of the Smile.
But the one of Stealth and Cunning was named Trish of the Clan of the O’Neill!!!
And she sayeth — Surely now I will disburse our warriors through their land and convert them to our ways!
But the natives of the tribes of Boorowa-Binalong-Galong saw that the plot was devious and whispered — IN YOUR DREAMS!!!!
When the tribes of Vegemite and the Shamrock came together, there was much wonder that they spake the same language and sought the same customs…………
And at a place called the Courthouse, did they not pledge eternal friendship?
A nd did not at a place called the Ex-Services Club the leader of the tribes of Boorowa-Binalon-Galong, named Wendy, and the Leaders of those tribes also, confirm that covenant of Friendship?
In the blinking of an eye, the Shamrock people found that they had to leave that place, and great sadness enveloped all…….
And the people of Beath the High Priest also felt much anguish at friendships, so recently forged in battles of song, were to be severed.
And each pledged to the other – We will remember you — IN OUR DREAMS!!!!!!
(Thanks to Gus Staunton–Chairman of the Planning group�in Boorowa-Binalong-Galong)
Many Many thanks to the good people of this town and the surrounding areas for your warmth and hospitality!
We look forward to continuing those friendships…………
Trish
Fri 11th July – Carlow
Everyone is still working through the disappointment of the return of 36 pilgrims; both in Ireland and out in Australia, including the host families in Boorowa.�
The plight of the 36 returned pilgrims has received a lot of media coverage. The diocese issued a press release and assisted the media in various ways. Unfortunately, even with this exposure, no solution to the basic problem of seat availability has emerged.�
We thank everyone for their kind words of sympathy and support.
We have written to all the group and we hope to gather everyone at the end of the month when Fr Paul and the others are back. It would be an opportunity to greet each other and look to new possibilities.�
Fr Paul has been in close contact with us and has added his own comment to this blog. The sentiment now is that those who made it to WYD should certainly make the most of it. We look forward to hearing the ‘good news’ from down under.�
Bishop Moriarty is now en route to Sydney. He was not travelling with any of the three groups as he needed to attend the bicentenary celebration of the Patrician Brothers in Tullow on Wednesday. Thankfully, it appears that he avoided any serious delay out of Dublin which has been badly hit by the radar failure.
Fr Bill
(Bishop’s House)
WYD – Day Five
Wed 9th July
Unfortunately, our pilgrimage has been hit by bad news. The group on the third flight who missed their original connection in London on Monday night – due to thunderstorm which delayed flights into Heathrow – could not be given a secure alternative travel plan and have reluctantly returned home.
Bishop Moriarty and a number of clergy gathered in Askea, two days after seeing the group off, to greet the group on their return along with family members.
Bishop Moriarty stated -
“The whole experience has been an ordeal for all concerned and we sympathise with the 36 pilgrims and their families for this very unfortunate turn of events. It is a real blow and everyone needs a bit of time to come to terms with what has happened.
We acknowledge the very difficult position the leaders of the group were placed – Fr Liam, Fr Paddy and Robert. We support them in the difficult decision they made – which had to put the basic safety and unity of the group above all else. We are of course relieved that everyone is back safe and sound.”
WYD – Day Three
Mon 7th July
After an eight year drought, the weather finally broke here in Boorowa, just as the first group of pilgrims arrived from Ireland! There was much rejoicing in the community here as the torrential rain fell, but the bedraggled K & L gang weren’t too impressed………..
Still, it is a pilgrimage………….
We have no network coverage here in Boorowa, and the tiredness seems to be affecting our ability to use the phone cards, so please reassure everyone that flights one and two have arrived safely and are now ensconced with their host families.
The friendliness of the people here, in this very Irish community is unbelievable. Flight one met for Mass with Fr Greg and our own John Cummins at 9.15 this morning. We had Adoration and prayed the Rosary together, and the rest of the day has been spent meeting the locals.
The Boorowa courthouse was the venue for morning coffee, and we were royally entertained there. Afterwards, we spoke with Ria from the local paper, who plan to do a feature issue on our visit this week! Then we covered the town from end to end, chatting to people and introducing some ofthe local young people to Hurling….quite an experience!
Flight two headed off to cope with their jet lag, and get to know their hosts……
Unortunately flight three are not having as easy a journey as the rest of us…….. At the moment they are apparently stuck in London, where they have been allocated accomodation for the night, and will hopefully join us a little later thatn planned……… No doubt Fr Liam will look after them well……….
Will let you know how they get on when we hear from them…………..
Trish
(K&L WYD co-ordinator)
Day One
Sat 5th July
Well here we are, the day has arrived at last. All the fundraising, praying, meetings, saving and packing are over and we are on our way!!!!!
We have been in touch with our host families in Boorowa, and in Sydney and they are lovely. They are sooooo looking forward to meeting us, and now we are not so nervous about meeting them.
I’m sleepy… and someone said it was SNOWING in Canberra… WHAT???!!! Does that mean I won’t get a suntan on my legs???!!! NOOOOOOO!! Oh well I suppose this is the first of many hardships I will be forced to endure on this Pilgrimage… Here’s hoping it’s sunny when the Papa gets there!!!
Hang on.. it’s snowing?!! No way.. oooh.. this is going to be soooo much fun!! Not looking forward to the like a million hour flight, but sure it’ll be worth it!! I just hope no one on the plane gets plane sick!!
Now we’re off to the Boy’s school in Clane to meet the rest of the First Flight—real pioneers in this journey—we are going to have Mass together, and set off immediately after that.
Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers till we land in Sydney early Monday morning—thank you again to all the people who have helped us to get ready for this experience, and World Youth Day, here we come…………
Ashleigh and Claire
(Clane Parish)
Thanks to Ashleigh & Claire for starting this blog. We hope to learn a lot!
Safe travelling. We will keep all 137 pilgrims in our prayers.
Bill Kemmy
Many thanks to all that wrote the blogs in the past three days , my mammy and I
feel really sorry for all those who have had to go home.
Hope you all have a brilliant time in Sydney.
From Ellen.
I would like to thank most sincerely the leaders of the Carlow group, Fr. Paddy, Fr. Liam and Robert for their great courage in making the right decision to return home with our young people.
The trip was not meant to be for our group and hopefully in the next few days our faith will help us accept that it is God’s will that our group did not travel to Australia. As you know yourselves the disappointment is unmeasurable for these young people as they are now home.
I trust that they will be remembered by the remainder of the group in Australia. I am sure that Fr. Paul and Trish are very disappointed to be without part of the K & L group. I wish you a safe and happy time on your pilgrimage, you need to make the most of the trip for the young people who did make it there.
Thanks again to all concerned for your efforts and perhaps we can meet up on your return from WYD.
Regards & God Bless,
Sophie Kelly
Just a note from all of us out here in Australia….
We have been deeply disappointed about the third group not being able to join us here. As we have said from the beginning of our journey over a year ago, even though there were three flights, we were always one group from our diocese.
We understand that the situation was beyond the control off all involved. At the gathering of the pilgrimage group on the 28th of June in Carlow, I said that the first priority of the leaders was the safety of all those involved. With this in mind our support goes in a special way to Fr. Liam, Fr. Paddy, and Robert. We know that they have shown extraordinary leadership and acted with the first priority of the safety of those in their care. We thank them sincerely for that.
We send our love and care to all the group. We understand that the disappointment is cruel. The people here in the parishes are very disappointed too. They are constantly asking for you all.
We will be thinking of you all during our pilgrimage here. At all our prayerful gatherings you will be remebered in a special way. We are still one group!
Sophie, thank you for your kind comments, we will try to help the group here enjoy the experience as much as possible, we owe that to you all.
By the way, the weather here is miserable! I can only compare it to a November day at home, cold n’ wet!!! Hot Australia is right!
Lets keep one another in prayerful thought.
God bless,
Love from Fr. Paul, Trish and all the other K&L pilgrims in Australia.
Hello to Oz! And Regards to the 35 others of the returned group.
I want to compliment the people of the group for their positive outlook throughout the days in London. Mairead and I would like to send regards to our 6 young ladies and to the wider group-it was a pleasure to be one of you and we were confident that WYD would have been a truly wonderful experience with you.
Unfortunately, this time – as Sophie said – it wasn’t meant to be for us. Thank God, we are all home safely, and if we had to come home, at least it was for the ‘least bad reason’. We shared an experience-different to the one we expected certainly, but it was a privilige to meet such young (and not so young
people).
I for one will be on the list for the next World Youth Day – bring it on!!!!
Thanks to everyone for their suppportive messages, keep us in your prayers, as we will you all….
Best Wishes to everyone from Mairead and I!!
God Bless,
Loraine
Hello Paul, Trish and fellow pilgrims,
To begin may I express grateful thanks to each one for your kind support; to Bishop Jim and Fr Bill here in Carlow, Joe Tully for his constant support and efforts made on our behalf and to Paul and Trish in Australia.
It is still very difficult as we come to terms with the reality of our return home. We are left with the lingering feeling that we ought to be somewhere else namely the “land of Oz”.
This morning Jodie Keating from Askea spoke on local radio and expressed excellently the feelings of the group, as the youngest member of our group I was very proud of his thoughtful contribution, he is representative of the kind of calibre of each young person in our group.
Again thanks to one and all. The support of Bill and the Diocese is deeply appreciated and I trust that no stone will be left unturned in attempting to address the disappointment of the young people entrusted to our care.
To Paul, Trish and all enjoy W.Y.D,
with kind regards,
Liam
(on behalf of Paddy and Robert)
It’s incredible to think that in this modern day 36 people could not find a way forward to join their fellow pilgrims.
The hearts of all here ache for those who had to return home (esp. for those we know and supported to get to WYD)
Hope those of you who are in Sydney appreciate it all and realise just how lucky you are to be there. Please remember the 36 in your prayers, laughter, fun, travels and all you experience until your return home. You will never forget this trip and unfortunately neither will they!
It seems at least that the young people who returned have already “Received the power of the Holy Spirit” by their strength and courage in facing this disappointment. I guess there’s always a light…!! Enjoy and safe travels.
To the Kildare and Leighlin pilgrims who didn’t make it to World Youth Day – July 12
As we gather at the Commissioning Mass for all the pilgrims staying in archdiocese of Canberra – Goulburn, we think of you. We’re at the Exposition Park in Canberra (EPiC), and we think of you as Archbishop Mark Coleridge reminds us that there is no such thing as cheap grace. “Grace is costly. That is why we have World Youth Day……we have winter in the Antipodes, but hope is the message we bring”
This message is not just for us, who heard the Archbishop; it is also for you who unfortunately are not physically present here, but are very much present in our thoughts and prayers.
This WYD pilgrimage is still your journey of faith just as much as it is ours. Do not give up your WYD pilgrimage just because you cannot come to Sydney. The price of God’s grace has been very costly for you – do not accept the pain of what has happened whithout also seeking the grace that it brings. The message of grace and of hope unites us. It has been proclaimed to us today, and we share it with you, fellow pilgrims.
By the way, Fr. Brian Kavanagh and I met the Archbishop afterwards, and told him your story. He sends his sympathy and prayers.
Hi All,
I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful time as pilgrims at WYD (although by the sounds of it you weren’t prepared for the Sydney weather – yes it’s winter here!).
I’m from the parish of Clane & Rathcoffey but now living in the wonderful city of Melbourne. Even though the main events take place in Sydney we are all caught up in the carnival that is WYD, in Melbourne we hosted the Cross and Icon in St. Patrick’s Cathedral before it continued it’s journey to Sydney for this special week.
I work in a Catholic school called Star of the Sea who also hosted students during the week leading up to WYD and have over 40 students attending the ceremonies in Sydney, so the group coming from Ireland hasn’t been far from my mind.
In Melbourne we have lots of pilgrims walking through the city playing music, singing and enjoying the WYD experience. I hope that you all have a fantastic time and make the most of this wonderful experience and maybe next time visit Melbourne – weather is a bit brighter down here at the moment!
Best wishes to you all, Fr. Paul, Trish and pilgrims
(especially those I know from Clane and Rathcoffey!!!)
Norma Flynn
Hello to all in Sydney!!!!!
Back to work today for me!!!
There is nothing more I can say that Loraine, Sophie and Fr Liam have not already said, only to all the K&L group in Sydney… Enjoy yourselves and keep us in your prayers.
All the other 35 people on the flight were actually the most amazing group of young people I have ever met, it was a pleasure to share the awful experience with you all. Everyone on the group really inspired me.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so much.. and we are front page news in Carlow don’t you know…!!!!
Love to all in OZ
Mairead
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
hi to everyone in sydney trish fr paul and all group and to the other 35 who never made it. We had an unplanned emotional experience together but we survived and are all the stronger for it
I have returned to work since last monday and have just by chance discovered the blog i hope you are all having a ball in sydney and by reading all the info can’t believe how cold you have been describing it but hopefully it will improve and trish take solace from the fact you wont ger the legs tanned here either weather still very cold.
You seemed to have really nice experiences in all the different areas looking foward to seeing all the pics on your return
I would like to say thank you to everyone of the 35 who travelled together you were an exceptional brave and supportive bunch to be a part of and also thank to Fr Paddy and Fr Liam and Robert for their bravery in making their difficult but necessary decision and thanks to all in the diocese for their continued support
Frances Doheny
hi all,
Firstly we hope everyone in Sydney is having a truly amazing time.
There is not much we can really say, that has not been said already. As part of the now famous ’36′ we would like to comment on the great leadership skills shown by our leaders, faced against a decsion, one could never dream of in circumstances that were literally beyond belief, our leaders put our health and safety first and in our opinion made the right choice.
Great friendships were made, and tested through a time of mixed emotions, it seemed just as the group were bonding, it was time to say goodbye again.
We do believe everything happens for reason, and for some reason that we may never discover we were not meant to be in sydney. We would like to thank the diocese for their great support and also the wyd pilgrims in sydney for their continuous thoughts and prayers.
Once again, to everyone in sydney have a great time!
Katie and Jodie Keating
Hi to all the 36…..
I can’t believe how you have responded to this whole challenge. I hope that I would have dealt with this as well as you all have. You really are remarkable people!
Will be in touch with you when I get home.
Trish
A warm Sydney welcome to all the pilgrims. I hope your journey is safe and enjoyable.
I found this piece of local wisdom that I would like to share with you:
http://www.amazing.com.au/peace
Please return one day.
Justin Fair
The coverage from EWTN has been brilliant and thanks to Trish’s description of the flags I feel like I’ve seen you…although the cameras haven’t quite got you!!
Looks like a super “production” by the Syndey Siders…….. look forward to hearing all from John when he returns to Carlow.!
Safe travels home
Mary Foley
Hi
I have been watching online at CatholicTV.com
The coverage has been great featuring wonderful young people from all over the world reflecting after each of the events, prayer services and liturgies. The videos are available at PopeinAustralia.com
hi to all you tired and weary pilgrims
I watched in envy this morning rte one coverage and highlights of some of your events it seemed amazing look foward to seeing you all soon and just wanted to wish you all a safe journey home
Hope the luggage is all under weight and the bags not bulging with pressies
Frances Doheny
Hi
my name is Judy Raumer, I have been involved along with Helen Thom in the preparation of WYD @ St Charles, Ryde, in particular the ‘Homestay’ programme.
We have enjoyed the most wonderful week of faith and friendship with our new friends from Kildare & Leighlin. We all were most disappointed that the pilgrims from Flight 3 were not able to join us. We hope one day you will be able to come down to Australia and visit with us we would love to meet you all.
I was the luckiest Homestay Host as my family hosted Trish and the girls, and even though we were all so busy in our own way with WYD we still found a special friendship. My daughter Melanie even became a ‘Kildare & Leighlin Pilgirm” for the week of WYD.
So now we have to say ‘see ya later’ for now, but I am sure the friendships that have developed over this past week with the Pilgrims and the Parishioners of St Charles will grow and grow and I am sure in the future visits will be made by us to you and you to us.
Thank you to you all for your inspiration of faith that will carry us on. We miss you already.
Judy
Hi to Loraine and Niamh
We were meant to be your homestay family. We are a young family with two young children, ages 6 and 3. They have been telling all their friends how sad it must be for Loraine and Niamh that they missed their plane and couldn’t visit Australia. It is nice to see from your blog that you all are okay.
Instead we got two Belfast boys, and they have been lots of fun. The children had a great time dreaming you up before your arrival, making signs and drawing pictures for you, so you were already in our hearts and minds before your arrival and during WYD week (why DO they call it a day?).
Riley, my daughter, the 3-year-old, asked “do pilgrims look like princesses or fairies?”. I think she had dreamed up pilgrims being some kind of magical characters. Anyway, just wanted to you know we have been thinking of you all.
The Greens
Hi to all the Gang from Kildare & Leighlin,
We really hope that you enjoyed your stay here in Sydney. It was a pleasure to meet you all, you are a great bunch. To all the flight 3 gang, we were so sorry that you did not make it to Oz. What a huge disppointment for you all. We really admire you and how you all coped , not sure if we would have taken it so well.
What a week it was, so spiritual, yet great crack!! (yes you guessed, we are Irish also and been living here for the last 24 yrs)
Sorry Judy but we were the luckiest hosts. We had The McCaffrey boys, Damien, Ronan and Conor, such a great family and a pleasure to have in our home. We are lucky, as we know that we will meet them again when we go home to Ireland to visit family.
It was really sad to say goodbye this mornning, but we hope you have a safe trip home.
It was great to meet all the pilgrims that stayed here at St Charles, but I think we have a soft spot for the gang from K&L
Take Care and God Bless
Paul, Emer, Dara, Conor and Ross Noone
Hey everyone ,
just like to thank everyone, for the best trip i was ever on, I made new Friends, established my faith in people and the church more.
But I have one thing to say, Please no Jesus Jive, because it is so bad… And yes I’m alive awake alert enthusiastic……
See you all again soon , love to you all ,
God bless
Jenny Casey
Hello, I’m Robert
By chance i stumbled across your blog and to be honest i’m stunned. I never even was aware that such an organisation existed. I’m Irish and am in my late twenties and think what your doing is great. Its great to see people like Ashleigh and Claire promote the church they way they do – i really thought, like most people my age the church in this country would be a thing of the past in years to come. How do i get involved?
Well done and keep it up
Robert Mullen
Hi Robert!
Thanks for your interest! Most of the young people who took part in WYD with K & L were involved in their parishes in some way, maybe through folk group, choir, youth club , as ministers of the Word or Ministers of the Eucharist or some other sort of activity. That is probably the easiest way to get involved, and is where most of them would have heard about the WYD project which brought them together. If you find out what is available in your own parish and get involved there it’s a good start!
Keep an eye on the website for upcoming events that you might be able to join in with!
All the best
Trish