Celebrating with the local flock

The procession of WYD pilgrims across the Sydney Harbour bridge began at 5:30 this morning and will continue throughout the day. Having prayed the Stations of the Cross yesterday afternoon in venues throughout the CBD, the youth of the world become today visibile and living signs of the love of Christ as we continue our pilgrimage through the city of Sydney toward the place where we will celebrate the closing Mass tomorrow morning in presence of the Holy Father and the assembled Church.

In the meanwhile, the Holy Father is in Saint Mary's Cathedral this morning to celebrate a Mass with the priests of the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Religious and invided members of each parish of the Archdiocese.

During this liturgy, the Holy Father will consecrate the newly-installed permanent altar which will adorn the sanctuary of Saint Mary's from now on. A copy of the Holy Father's homily for this special celebration with the Church of Sydney will be available on the Vatican website once the celebration is complete.