Sydney

SYDNEY!!!!   

We arrived at Sydney Airport at 11 o’clock in the evening and we were all tired and I thought I had lost my jacket on the plane but was obviously in the Lord’s care because I got it back and then we had to get a taxi to the university because the travel arrangements didn’t work out properly.  We eventually arrived at the university at 12 o’clock.  We were warmly greeted by Sister Anna and Morgan Rice and then were taken to our rooms.  The guys and girls stayed in different colleges on different sides of the campus but it was not that far.  I was really blessed to have Judy's home number because I was very homesick after arriving at the college but Judy was so good to me when I phoned her at 1 o'clock in the morning and then I was also able to talk to dad which was a major help.  I stayed in St John’s College and the ladies stayed at Sancta Sophia College. I had a really comfortable bed which I looked forward to sleeping in every night, especially after the long tiring days.

Sydney Cityscape

Sydney: Day 1

Day 1: Sunday - 13/07/08

We had morning mass at the Sancta Sophia Chapel which was really beautiful.  Fr. Liem Duong had forgotten his homily in his room so he said an improvised homily but it was still such a beautiful service.  We then had a talk session in the Sancta Sophia common room delivered by the Head Coordinating priest Fr. Liem. I then joined a group who were going to the Sydney Opera House. Although I wasn’t feeling so great the opera house was still impressive.  We took the bus to get there and then we also walked along the harbour front and saw the Sydney Bridge from the opera house and we passed this man sitting on the walk playing his didgeridoo and he let me play it=).  At 1 o’clock we went to Barangaroo (Harbour district) for the rehearsal of the Opening Mass.  I was allocated the Madagascar national flag to carry and Gail was fortunate enough to carry the South African flag.

Papal Flag - Common Room

ILG - Opera House

University of Sydney - Campus

Presentation - Common Room

Around the corner from my room =)

Sr. Anna - Barangaroo

Winey and I - Barangaroo

Sydney: Day 2

Day 2: Monday - 14/07/08

I had to rush to shower and breakfast because I had overslept.  After breakfast we celebrated morning mass in Sancta Sophia chapel.  After mass we had a talk by an Australian priest who has spent 4 years living with the aborigines and he had a very interesting talk.  After the talk Fr. Liem showed us a cup trick with a message about always being aware in your faith.  After a packed lunch we went to the dress rehearsal for the Opening mass. The WYD Cross and Icon were in the Sancta Sophia chapel and so we were allowed to spend time in the chapel.  It was a really special and blessed time that I am very grateful for as it was a major strengthening part of my faith journey and is a definite highlight of my pilgrimage.  I then joined some of the other members of the group and we went to a local pub.  Because I was underage I could only drink Sprite and I had to tell the bouncer that I had left my ID in my room and I promised him I wouldn’t drink alcohol.  We had lots of fun joking around and chatting and then we all danced.  I really enjoyed chilling with these older foreigners who have become like family to me.  We then walked back to St John’s and on the way we said the Scriptural Rosary.  We said the whole rosary by the time we reached St John’s and it was really special.  It was such a beautiful winter’s evening as well.

Sancta Sophia Chapel

Carina - Dress Rehearsal