The youth invasion

What happens when the normal routine of life is turned absolutely upside down? For some people, change is just part of life, but for others, it can be upsetting ... downright catastrophic.

What happens when the population of a city is swelled by more than 300,000 young people complete with their energy, their questions, their dreams and their sense of adventure? For most of the day-to-day Sydneysiders, the presence of the World Youth Day pilgrims may well remain a part of the evening news, but for at least some of those who live and work in this metropolis, this week will be nothing short of a life-changing experience.

From the outer suburbs where some of the youth have been lodged in billeted homes to more than 200 Catholic churches throughout this Archdiocese, signs of life are abundant during this week. Sure, the Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney reminded the young people that come next week, those who have come from all points of the globe will be on their way home, and at least a semblance of calm will return to the surface of the water (if our lives may be briefly compared to shallow lakes). However, it is not so much the visible changes which may be most worth our attention this week, but rather the spirit's movements in the hearts of pilgrims young and old which may be beginning during these days, or being deepened by this encounter.

Youngsters travelling in groups throughout the city streets are quick to burst into song or to greet one another in any multitude of languages. A stroll through Sydney's famous Botanic Gardens this afternoon revealed many groups who were sitting on the grass or strolling through the many pathways. In some cases, they were deepening their understanding of faith, in others, they were singing together.

In Hyde Park, thousands of young people gathered today to sing, to visit the WYD on HYDE makeshift store where souvenirs can be found in great abundance, or to prepare for their visit to the Cathedral of Saint Mary which is located on the Eastern edge of Hyde Park. Within this edifice which has stood as a sanctuary of faith for Catholics of this country for more than two centuries, young people are invited to meet some of the saints of today and yesterday, and to touch the sacred which is oh so close to us, but which we often ignore or forget because they cannot 'plug in' to the voice of God which calls to us with a promise of love, peace and joy.

For his part, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI is completing his three-day retreat at Kenthurst on the North-western edge of Sydney. This evening, he is travelling into the city of Sydney along with the other 26 members of the papal party. For the next five nights, he will stay at Saint Mary's Cathedral from where he will hold a series of private meetings, and will participate in the long-awaited papal welcoming ceremony which will take place tomorrow afternoon.

Copies of the speeches to be shared during the Holy Father's visit at Government House where he will meet the Australian Governor General and other civil authorities, and the greeting he will share with World Youth Day pilgrims and indeed all other official texts of the pope's presentations during his official visit down under will be available after they have been delivered on the Vatican's website.