On July 20, Susan Safford wrote:
We made it! This is the last blog, as we will be departing Australia for Rapid City tomorrow morning. Saturday morning we had Mass with Bishop Cupich - a great blessing. He took a group photo with us, and then he bought breakfast for everyone at Mickey D's before we started out for Randwick Racecourse, where the all-night vigil and Mass with the Holy Father would be held.

We jumped on the train to the Circular Quay and then began our pilgrimage walk of about 5 miles. With our backpacks and sleeping bags on our backs, we marched with the nearly quarter-million other pilgrims who would spend the night at Randwick. The weather was beautiful and we sang and chanted our way over the bridge to the racecourse. Our hosts from Melbourne joined the procession just as we were passing by - what an amazing act of providence! What are the chances of running into them amidst 250,000 others?

This being my third WYD, I informed the others that as soon as we got there, I was going to get out my sleeping bag, stake out my territory, lay out what I needed, and then I was going to go find the Paramedics tent and spend the rest of the night there. I was pretty sure they would have heaters and we were looking ahead to 8 degrees!

We arrived at Randwick feeling pretty good and began to look for our assigned section. When we got there, it appeared to be completely filled up. There was a small passageway that we began to lay our bags out in, and suddenly there was more and more room, because as it got crowded, some chose to leave and find a better spot. Soon there was room enough for us all to be together. Fr. Mark and I sought out the Adoration tent right away and spent some time in prayer. Then I bought some soup for $3 and sat down to dinner.

The evening was spent watching entertainment until the Holy Father arrived at 7 pm. Once again, he inspired us with his presence and with his words. He encouraged us to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to be witnesses! He spoke to us of St. Augustine's three insights about the Holy Spirit as the bond of unity in the Trinity - unity as communion, unity as love, and unity as giving and gift. He told us that to be truly alive is to be transformed from within - open to God's love. He called on us to accept the power of the Holy Spirit so that we could transform those around us, to set free the gifts He has given us! Then he departed, with a promise to return for Mass in the morning, and we settled in for the night.

We were a little nervous for awhile, since they ran out of water in the bathrooms and the toilets could not be flushed (we weren't sure how long it would be before this became a serious problem). However, they had them running again before the pope left. We prayed Night Prayer together as a group, over the noise of the crowds. Once the temperature began to drop, I put on layers of warm clothes and crawled into my sleeping bag. I stayed pretty warm (of course, I've had 3 WYDs to get this right), but others were pretty chilly. The news reported that 19 people were treated for hypothermia (not bad for a crowd that size), but everyone is well - some stayed up late dancing and singing to stay warm. The party goes on all night long at all WYD vigils, so this time around I borrowed some of Fr. Christensen's earplugs to help me sleep. There were a few very loud moments in the middle of the night, and in the morning it was definitely hard to get out of bed. But we did, and prayed Morning Prayer with 250,000 others.

The Pope arrived for Mass, and some of our group tried to see him as he drove in with the Popemobile, but they didn't catch him. What a beautiful Mass! The youth periodically broke out with cries of "Viva il Papa! Viva!" and chanted "Benedetto!" How we love him! And we see his love for us. Cardinal Pell reminded us in his remarks that, "One mission is better than a thousand options!" and that we are called to give ourselves in commitment. Pope Benedict spoke to us again about receiving the power of the Holy Spirit - an unmerited gift - and allowing it to change us from within! He challenged us, saying, "What will you leave to the next generation?" He asked us if we are living our lives in a way that is open to the Spirit, in a world that forgets or even rejects God. He called on us to renew the Church and the world, and to go forth to proclaim Christ, filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, to draw all hearts to Him. He announced the next WYD, saying that he would see us in 2011 in Madrid, Spain!

After Mass, we stayed at the racecourse for a couple more hours, had lunch, and waited for the throngs to leave ahead of us. Even then, once we got going, there were still many crowds. We were pushed and herded like cattle for awhile, but our fearless leader, Fr. Christensen, led us swiftly through the crowds to the train, while Fr. Tim took up the rear and made sure everyone made it. From this train we hopped on another, and though it was chaotic and crazy, God was with us and provided for us, and we got back to our host homes around 5:30pm. Then we all had showers (thank you, Jesus, for warm water!) and a fabulous meal together as a diocese.

Thank you to Fr. Tim, Fr. Christensen, and Fr. Mark for being with us and leading us as good fathers and shepherds. Tomorrow morning, we'll have one last Mass together and then head for the airport - we'll arrive in LA two hours before we leave Sydney (I'll let you figure that one out). The news reports all indicate that Australia has been changed by this World Youth Day - the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts as well. And I must add that this event was well done here! The organizers and the volunteers were fabulous and friendly - and it all went better than I have ever seen it! Well done, Australia! And now we must also say goodbye, Australia!

Goodbye Papa! We will miss you, but we will not forget your words and your love for us. We will accept the Holy Spirit into our hearts and be transformed by Him, and in turn, we will be His witnesses and transform the world!

On July 18, Susan Safford wrote:
This morning we departed from our usual schedule to have a little break. We had Mass at 8 am at our host parish - just our group. Then we went into the city and got on the ferry to Manly, and we had a beautiful tour of the harbor. It was stunning! And it was a nice sunny day. We got over to Manly where we had some free time. Some of our group bought Aussie swim trunks and went swimming in the ocean. I enjoyed a nice day on the beach and saw some dolphins jumping in the water. Fr. Tim was approached by some surfers who were curious because, "Priests don't usually come to the beach." A few of us are coming down with colds, so keep our good health in your prayers.

After lunch in Manly, we returned on the ferry and headed over to Barangaroo once again for the Stations of the Cross, which began at the Cathedral, then went over to the Domain, the Art Gallery, Darling Harbor, and ended at Barangaroo. It was warm to start, but as the sun went down, the temperature dropped quickly. We had some difficulty seeing the big screen that aired the Stations at every location, as they had some sound problems and there were lots of pilgrims walking to and fro, blocking the view. Despite all of that, it was still a very powerful prayer and we recalled that, when Jesus walked the way of the cross 2000 years ago, there were many bystanders who didn't notice, didn't care, and went about their daily business without a thought that our Savior had just offered His life for us.

After Stations, we walked out of Barangaroo amid the most dense crowds we've encountered so far - for awhile we were packed like sardines and were being moved just by the crowd. It was a difficult moment, but it didn't last too long before they thinned out a bit at the street. We walked next to a group from Trinidad and Tobago who were singing and dancing the most joyful songs all the way to the train station. We went straight back to our host parish, where we had dinner in our host homes tonight. Tomorrow we head over to Randwick for the Vigil!

Again, please do not forget to pray for warm dry weather and the health of all the pilgrims. Predicted low tomorrow night is 8 degrees Celsius (about 46 Fahrenheit), and there is a chance of rain Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, not until after we're gone!

I won't write a blog tomorrow because I'll be at the Vigil, so you'll hear from me again on Sunday! On the train on our way home tonight some locals asked a couple of pilgrims if they got to see the Pope - they said they did see him, but he was just a tiny dot. However, they said they did get to see Jesus! And we continue to encounter Him here in Australia!

On July 17, Susan Safford wrote:
I must tell you that it is later and later each night when we get home, and it seems like we get up earlier and earlier each day. It's almost midnight here right now, so I'm going to write to you all and then head for bed!

This morning we had a catechetical session with Cardinal O'Malley from Boston - what a great blessing! He spoke to us about the work of the Holy Spirit in the early Church and how this work continues in us today. He encouraged us to give all to Christ, saying that we must make a gift of ourselves to find fulfillment.

He told us a Japanese parable about a man who lived in a beautiful house on the top of a hill. One day, from the top of this hill, he saw a tidal wave coming. However, the townspeople were down below on the shore where they couldn't see it coming, so they were in grave danger. Because he knew he must warn them, he set his house on fire. The people saw the house burning and some said, "Let's go and help our neighbor save his house." Others said, "You go if you want - we're not going to worry about it." The people who went up to help were saved, but those who didn't perished in the tidal wave.

The Cardinal also spoke about what he called the little catechesis of St. Peter. Using three short stories, Peter taught about faith, hope, and charity. The first is his response to Christ's question, "Who do you say that I am?" - which teaches us faith. The second is his response to Christ's teaching on the Eucharist, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life." - which teaches us hope. The third is his response to Christ's question, "Do you love me?" - which teaches us charity. What a beautiful morning!

After lunch, we headed into the city to our place at Barangaroo along Darling Harbor to get ready for the Pope's arrival. Our Papa, Benedict XVI, arrived on a boat that traveled first through Sydney harbor, then into Darling Harbor. He got out and drove in the popemobile to the stage about 150 yards from us. We could see him even without binoculars, but with them, we got a good look at him!

We celebrated a liturgy of the word and the Pope addressed us. He said so many striking things, it is hard to choose highlights. He encouraged us to follow Christ and warned us of the dangers of relativism. He told us that freedom and tolerance can never be divorced from truth. He spoke to us about our creation in God's image and likeness and about truth, beauty, and goodness. He inspired us by his presence with us and his love for us, which was apparent by the joy on his face. Afterwards, he got in his popemobile and drove right by our section. A number of our group got great pictures of him up close! I think Grant Gerlach's might be the best one I've seen so far. He was so close that even those of us who didn't get right up to the fence could see him well.

Alex ran into his friends from the Czech Republic again today and once again they chanted his name! Their American brother! After that, we had dinner and then took an hour-long walk to the other end of the harbor. As we walked, we passed a family walking together - the crowds were dense and there was a lot of chaos - it was difficult to move. We overheard the very young boy in the family say to his father, "Dad, I'm just going to close my eyes and hold your hand." What a great lesson for all of us. This boy didn't know where they were going or how they were going to get there, but he trusted in his father enough to close his eyes and hold his hand. If only we would do the same with our Father in heaven!

Once we got to the other end of the harbor, we joined several thousand other pilgrims for a Life Teen XLT - Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship. It was amazing! A beautiful prayerful experience with our Lord. So we started our day with a successor of the Apostles, then joined the Vicar of Christ, and ended our day with our Lord Himself! It doesn't get any better than that!

On July 16, Susan Safford wrote:
   This morning we got up early and took the train to our catechetical site. We had some music with an American band - members from Nashville, Memphis, Boston, and New York - they were fantastic! A cardinal from South Africa led our catechesis and celebrated Mass for us. It was a great morning that ended with lunch, an authentic Aussie barbeque, at the catechetical site. Then we went back to Darling Harbor to the Vocations Expo, where we checked out various vocations booths, heard some interviews and testimonies. There was a coffee shop there, music, and the story of Mother Teresa. I ran into a few old friends, including Fr. Will Prospero, SJ, (whom some of you may know) whom I just happened to bump into on the staircase, and Angela Setera, who was manning the NET booth, among others.
    Our priests left us to go and get their credentials to concelebrate Mass with the Pope, but they were unsuccessful, due to long and slow-moving lines of priests. They will try again in the morning, so please pray for their success this time for the sake of our whole group. While they were there, we walked over to the Cathedral for our pilgrimage to the Mother Church of Australia, St. Mary's. There was a little chaos there, and a long wait, but our priests rejoined us there, together with Bishop Cupich, who walked and waited and visited with us. What a blessing to have our shepherd with us! He helped to get us into the Cathedral, even after a long day of travel and teaching at his own catechetical site. Thank you, Bishop Cupich! We hope to see him again later in the week.
    Security was high at the Cathedral, so we were not allowed to take our bags in - they checked and held them for us. But all of it was well worth the wait and the hassle! The Cathedral was a beautiful stop - a gorgeous church marked especially by the image of their patroness, Our Lady of the Southern Cross. We each stopped to pray a prayer of consecration to her before her image, then we prayed again before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Next we saw images and the life of Blessed Mary MacKillop, the first Australian blessed. Then we walked through the life and quotes from Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, one of the patrons of World Youth Day. This was a tremendously moving and inspirational moment. I was personally inspired by his holiness of life and words of wisdom - he died at the very young age of 24, and his body was there at the Cathedral. We knelt before his body and sought his intercession. Outside we stopped to view the statue of Servant of God John Paul II, another of the patrons of World Youth Day. Beneath his statue was a banner reading "Santo Subito" (a saint, immediately!).
    From there we went to get dinner, only to find that they had run out of meals at the nearby meal station! They wanted us to walk back to Barangaroo, but it was too far to go, so we heading over to "Hungry Jacks" (not "Happy Jacks", no matter what Fr. Christensen says! It's actually Burger King renamed). We ate our meal in the park and then walked over to St. James' Church, where we prayed a Holy Hour with the Taize community. It was very peaceful and prayerful and brought our day to a close in a beautiful way. Fr. Mark met the leader of the worldwide Taize community, who is a Catholic, Brother Alois, I believe. He spoke to Fr. Mark about the need for prayer for unity, in addition to theological discussion. Prayer is essential.
    Back to our host homes for a "good sleep", we hope. My hosts, Tony and Lorraine Grace, have been very busy helping out with the WYD events in many ways. They are working at a booth for the Marian Movement of Priests at the Vocations Expo, in addition to driving Vatican officials and bishops. Today, more charcoal was needed for a liturgy with an archbishop who was coming in, so Tony had to track some down quickly. He headed over to the Cathedral to get some, only to find large crowds, long lines, and very tight security. After explaining his story to several security guards and priests, he finally got in and got the charcoal he needed. While he was there, he got to touch the Pope's miter! And the security guard who let him in (who is not Catholic, by the way) asked if he could touch it, too! We're thinking of going with Tony tomorrow to share in some of his adventures!
    Tony and Lorraine have been praying and serving and telling us stories of all the amazing ways they have already seen the Holy Spirit at work here in Australia through this World Youth Day. It’s another side to the story that we might not know about, were it not for their witness! The Holy Spirit is moving here and I am filled with hope at hearing all the ways that He is transforming the people here, as well as the people who have come from every part of the globe. Let us pray together with the Pope for a new Pentecost right here, right now!

On July 15, Susan Safford wrote:
   Today we slept in a bit, and gathered at St. Anne's in Strathfield (our host parish) at 10am. With our ID badges, our new WYD backpacks, and some South Dakota pins to trade, we headed off to Barangaroo, where Cardinal Pell would celebrate the opening Mass with 200,000 pilgrims. We only had a short distance - a 15-minute train ride - into the city. Barangaroo is along Darling Harbor and it filled up quickly with pilgrims.
    We were probably the loudest group coming in, singing songs and shouting chants, with Kelley Yantes getting us started most of the time. "Go out in the World", the Benedict XVI song written by our own Nathan Sparks, "Trading My Sorrows", and the jazzed-up version of "Amazing Grace" were among the songs sung. Alex Chocholousek found a group from the Czech Republic and tried to tell them that his grandfather was from the Czech Republic. They didn't quite understand him, so he showed them his name on his nametag - they all looked at it and suddenly started chanting "Chocholousek" over and over again. As he raised his hands in "Rocky" fashion, bystanders might have thought he was a movie star.
    We arrived at Darling Harbor in time for lunch and they had a hot meal ready for every pilgrim. Then we had a few hours before Mass began, so we all wandered off and met youth from every country in the world. A plane was skywriting in the air - "Welcome" - he finished just before the clouds came and covered his work.
    Mass was beautiful and Cardinal Pell's words were inspired. He spoke to us about what it really means to follow Christ - to hear His word and respond to it. He told us not to spend our lives sitting on the fence, keeping all our options open, for commitment and fulfilling our responsibilities are the way to happiness. Our section was very peaceful and reverent during Mass, so it was a prayerful experience for us all.
    We had a nice warm day for wintertime in Australia, but as soon as the sun went down, the temperature dropped and jackets came on. (I myself purchased a stunning "Benedetto XVI" scarf in preparation for the vigil - I hope you all are praying for a warm night on Saturday!) After Mass, we waited in line a long time for dinner, but had another hot meal. In fact, the wait was so long, and Jonathan Dillon was so hungry, that he got out the binoculars, and like a secret service agent, he spotted our "meal runners" and could tell us where they were at in line. While we waited, we were entertained by a concert, and I caught Fr. Tim dancing with Elizabeth and Katie. Katie also learned a new dance from our German neighbors.
    As we departed Barangaroo, we walked along the harbor under the bridge and saw the famous Sydney Opera House lit up on Sydney harbor. We prayed evening prayer together, and then walked back to the train station and returned to our host homes for the evening.
    Fr. Tim reminded us earlier in the week that, when John Paul II first started World Youth Day and said that he wanted to gather the youth together, the cardinals asked, "What will we do with them when they come?” John Paul told them that if you bring youth together, they will witness to each other. He was right. It is happening here.

On July 14, Susan Safford wrote:
    Today we said our final goodbyes to our Melbourne hosts. Their youth left around 4 am today - we didn't leave quite so early - had Mass at 7:30 am, followed by one last meal with Holy Family parish, then we boarded the bus for the long trek to Sydney. We prayed Morning Prayer together, then visited, slept, played cards, sang songs, etc. etc. I asked a number of pilgrims what they'd like me to say on the blog - mostly they said, "Tell them we've gained a lot of weight. They won't stop feeding us." We are all overwhelmed with the generosity of our hosts and the great care they take of us.
    We heard two more testimonies today - Stefanie Zetah shared with us the way God has been moving in her life this first year of college and trip to India, and Eric Munoz spoke about they way God has given him peace and drawn him to follow him. They were both inspiring stories for the rest of us. I think all are reflecting on the ways God has been and is working in our lives.
    Prayed the chaplet, a rosary, evening prayer, ate, slept, and visited some more, and finally arrived in Sydney around 10pm. We stopped briefly at the check-in center at Olympic Park, and then on to St. Anne's (well, at least as far as the bowling alley across the street) where we met our host families, and headed off for yet another fabulous meal and good night's rest.

On July 13, Susan Safford wrote:
   Today was an easy day - nothing on our schedule until Mass at 11 am. Our three priests gave a joint homily, reflecting on preparing the soil of our hearts to receive the water of the Spirit. Our host pastor, Fr. Michael Shadbolt, has the most beautiful and good heart, and he gave us a warm send-off. Let me share with you what he said about our priests (and remember, these are Fr. Michael's own words): "Leading our contingent of visitors from Rapid City, South Dakota, were three priests from the diocese of Rapid City. Their names are Fr. Brian Christensen, Fr. Timothy Hoag, and Fr. Mark McCormick. They have been celebrating Mass for us this week and giving some good teachings. Poor old Fr. Michael is a bit scared. He's going to have to improve his game. These guys have really raised the bar. They are young priests and all look like film stars. But most important of all they are spiritual men and deeply committed to the Church and their priesthood. They clearly love the Mass and are devoted to their prayer life. Fr. Michael has found them an inspiration."
   Fr. Michael also said of us, "They're very odd. They say 'Hi' instead of 'G'day' and tomato (long "a") instead of tomato (short "a")." We gave them some gifts, and when Fr. Michael received from us a Rapid City ballcap, he said "I'm going to wear this golfing. People will mistake me for Tiger Woods, and I'll say 'Fair dinkum'." (meaning, it is really true.)
    I am truly humbled by the kindness and generosity of all our hosts here at Holy Family Parish. They threw a fabulous Aussie barbeque for us, and I got to try some kangaroo (no, it doesn't taste like chicken, but a lot like beef). Afternoon was spent with our host families, and I had a chance to see a bit of their mountains, lakes, some large kangaroos and some smaller wallabys. Good times.
    A concert gave us a chance to share our talents with one another - singing, dancing, and skits. "Pasta Mama" by the Duc in Altum guys and gals was a great hit, and no offense, Adam, but you are one ugly woman! Dinner with the parish was followed by a time of praise and worship, evening prayer, and a testimony from our own Elisabeth Hofer. She inspired us with her love for Christ and her joy at doing His call in the present moment! In small groups we shared our reflections on the pilgrimage thus far - from both sides, hosts and pilgrims alike!
    Holy Family, we are inspired by your witness to us. You have shown us the love of Christ through your kindness, your generosity, and your openness to Christ as well as to us. The Holy Spirit is truly present here, and He has done a wondrous work in me, and in us all, this past week. Thank you! Let us keep each other in prayer as we follow His call to witness. As Fr. Christensen said, “We will see you in heaven!”

On July 12, Susan Safford wrote:
   G'day, mate, and how 'ya going? 5:30 am Mass was an early one for us. Fr. Mark reminded us why we're all here (even at 5:30 am), and there is a strong sense of call and mission that is with us during this time. After Mass we got on a bus and started down toward the Great Ocean Road (when the Aussies say it, it sounds like "Gradation Road", to give you an idea of their accent). I have still not adjusted to the fact that their steering wheels are on the right and they drive on the left, although I fear that after two weeks here, I might try to do it when I get back! We drove the bus onto a ferry at Sorrento and then got out to look around and drink coffee and hot chocolate. Some dolphins joined us alongside the boat, swimming to match our speed and jumping out of the water, as though they were glad to see us.
    When we got to the other side of Port Philip Bay, we got back on the bus for a beautiful coastal drive. Stopped briefly at Bells Beach, apparently a world-renowned surfer beach. There were definitely some great waves, and the cold doesn't stop the surfers. They just put on their wetsuits and keep going. We got out and some of our group chased and ran from the waves on the shore. Eric Munoz went further than anyone - taking off his jacket and shoes, he jumped right in, claiming the water was "not too bad." A few of us got caught up to our knees, myself included, and after the experience, I have to say that I am totally sold on Gortex - my feet and legs didn't feel a drop of water. After some pictures with the surfers (that's right, Kelley, Megan, Erika, and others had no trouble making friends), we got back on the bus.
    Stopped for some food - it's the first time I ever tried dim sims (sort of like an egg roll, but better), and then on down the coast. This part of the coast is known as Shipwreck Coast, for the obvious reason - it is estimated there are about 700 shipwrecks beneath the waters here, though only 200 have been found. The dangerous coastline and the weather make the waters treacherous. We stopped and took pictures at the 12 Apostles, where rock formations jut out of the water, continually eaten away by the waves. They say there are only 8 1/2 left. It is a beautful sight.
    Then we went to see the site of the famous Loch Ard shipwreck. In June 1878, fog prevented accurate calculations for moving through a narrow passage (known to them as "threading the needle"), and the unbeknownst to the ship's captain, they had moved too close to the shoreline. He tried to recover, but it was too late, and all but 2 of the 54 on board perished. A cabin boy, Tom Pearce, grabbed hold of a lifeboat and was washed into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. He saw a young woman, Eva Carmichael, hanging on to a spar, and swam for her. It took him an hour to get her to shore. Her parents and siblings all died in the crash. You can read the whole story online. Here at the gorge, our group chased the waves once again, and there are unconfirmed reports the Fr. Mark may have helped some of the pilgrims to get a little wet.
    After praying Evening Prayer together on the long bus ride back, John Paul Trask and Jonathan (J.D.) Dillon shared their testimonies with us. I can see the movement of the Holy Spirit in our group. He is taking us somewhere, and He is sending us to follow the call of the Lord. John Paul and J.D. remembered His work in their lives, and helped us to recognize Him in our own.

On July 11, Susan Safford wrote:
    Friday morning was a lazy one. Cold and rainy, we got to sleep in a bit, except for a few who went golfing with some kangaroos (no, the kangaroos didn't golf, but one played hide-and-seek with Adam).
    Then we went to the parish in time for lunch at noon. Rosary together and confessions at the parish, then we loaded up the bus (without our priests, who left early to get ready for the big Mass) and headed over to St. Patrick's Cathedral. We had a brief opportunity to look around and pray - it's a large Gothic-style Cathedral with black stone and spires - reminds me a bit of the Cathedral in Cologne.
    Then we moved on to the Telstra Dome where they play Australian football. No football today, as pilgrims from all over the world who are staying in the Melbourne area gathered there for Mass with the Archbishop of Melbourne. Fr. Tim reported about 30,000 in attendance. It was a powerful sense of the universal Church, and our entry was marked by much cheering and greeting of the fellow pilgrims. We walked in to shouts of "USA! USA!" as others saw our flags. We arrived at 5 pm, but the Mass did not begin until 6:30 pm. They entertained us with music, speakers, singers, as we settled in our reserved seats. I'm not sure how to play Australian football (it's not soccer, it's not rugby, and it's not American football, and that's about all I know), but they seem to play in on a round field. It was an impressive setup for Mass, with lights and incense and grandeur.
   We spotted our priests through our binoculars sitting with the other concelebrants. Our Duc in Altum girls (Katie & Elizabeth) did a great job waving our American and South Dakotan flags. Two processionals brought in the bishops and then the cardinals. Energy in the stadium was high, and it was hard to stop outbreaks of "Benedetto" and cheering. It was a beautiful Mass, in which the archbishop commissioned us to go out in the grace of the Holy Spirit and spread the good news. There was a great sense of a call from God - that we are here for a reason, and we must bring Christ back to all the world.
   Afterwards more entertainment as 30,000 people departed - we stuck around to sing and dance to the Christian reggae as we waited for our priests. Next thing I knew, Fr. Christensen was leading us in a congo line, together with Fr. Mark (who has quite a yell, by the way) and Fr. Tim. Then Alex, Mitch, and Randy picked up the flags in turn to wave them over the crowd. Eventually two of them ran around the whole outer ring of the stadium with our flags. Then it was back to the parish for night prayer and rest before an early morning of Mass at 5:30 am - tomorrow we travel to the 12 Apostles.

On July 10, Susan Safford wrote:
    Thursday morning we got up, and my lovely hostess, Gina Hawthorne, asked if I wanted a "fry-up." I wasn't quite sure what that was, but when I saw the frying pan and lots of good food waited to be fried, I got the idea. Bacon, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs... don't worry parents, your kids are eating well here! Mass with the parish was beautiful, and Fr. Tim reminded us in his homily that if we know what God is calling us to, we ought to do it without delay. I know a few of our group who are thinking about this one. After Mass, more food - coffee, tea, and "biscuits" - that is, cookies.
    Hopped on a bus with a few of our Aussie friends who showed us some of the sights of Melbourne. It is the second largest city in Australia at about 5 million, is known as the sporting capital, the fashion capital, and the gourmet capital of Australia. Drove past many sporting arenas, including the place where the Australian Open is played each year. Visited their war memorial - an impressive place honoring those who fought and died in the two World Wars. "No Greater Love." A number of stained glass windows honor them at various churches together with the saints, particularly St. George, St. Alban, and St. Michael, among others.
    As we walked through the marketplace in Melbourne, we were much tempted by the wares, but especially the fabulous fruits, vegetables, and nuts (they look better than ours). A few of our group will be bringing home boomerangs, I think. Had some lunch, and then walked around the city a bit, through the cool winter weather (a few of us bought jackets, hats, and scarves), and stopped at the welcome center for the pilgrims.
On to St. Augustine's, where we prayed a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament in the spirit of Taize - what a beautiful hour of prayer! In Taize, a word or phrase is sung over and over again, almost in chant-style. It was a very peaceful time with our Lord, whose presence with us was much more tangible here. Concert sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Society - outdoors in the cold and a little rain, but that didn't stop the singing and dancing, and we enjoyed a little Australian Country.
    Back to Holy Family for pizza and a few crazy games. Someone called foul because we didn't know what "runners" were, until it was defined as sneakers. I thought Tom Lawrence's cat imitation would be unmatched, but Alex Chocholousek got John Paul Trask in hysterics with his (you can ask the pilgrims about this later). Two Aussies have commented to me how much they like my accent. Hoping to post some pictures soon, if we can - no worries, mate!

On July 9, 2008, Susan Safford wrote:
    One of the great legacies of our beloved Holy Father John Paul II is World Youth Day. Our new Papa, as the Italians call him, Benedict XVI, has continued this legacy, and the love youth have for him is no less. Held every three years, this worldwide gathering of youth gives us all hope in Christ and His plan for our future. The experience of a pilgrimage - a physical and spiritual journey toward Christ - moves all who participate, as well as those around them, and although we have not yet met up with our fellow travelers from around the world, already there is a sense among our group that something is beginning... something meaningful, something beyond us.
    We departed South Dakota in three shifts beginning at 5am on Monday, July 7. From Rapid City to Denver to LAX, part of our group spent Monday afternoon at the Marina del Rey in Los Angeles. Finally all arrived in not-so-sunny California and we gathered for a beautiful Mass at St. Anastasia's. There we came together and our pilgrimage had a formal start with Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We celebrated Fr. Christensen's 9th Anniversary of priesthood and realized that God was calling us "into the desert," to a place apart, to give Himself to us. We prepared now to receive whatever God wanted to offer in these next days. Outside the Church, our priests gave us a formal blessing, and then Fr. Tom, the very generous pastor of St. Anastasia's drove us back to LAX.
    10:30pm departure (Pacific time), 14.6 hours in the air, and a 16 hour time change (no one's quite sure what happened to Tuesday) brought us to Sydney. We arrived Wednesday morning, and so did our bags, providentially. Transfer to Melbourne (pronounced "mel-bun," if you're an Aussie), where we met up with Team Hofer, who appeared much more rested than the rest of us. Holy Family parish welcomed us as their own family with lunch, and then we all went on to host homes. At 7pm we gathered for Mass and a very prayerful Holy Hour with the parish. Nick and Alex jumped in and led some music for the Holy Hour. The parishioners commented how beautiful and peaceful it was. At long last, we had some well-deserved rest. Hard to believe we are halfway across the globe and "down-under."