World Youth Day Sydney 14-20 July 2008. Part 3 of 3

Saturday 19th July. No more catechesis today, but I have what they called “Pilgrimage Walk”. There are 4 starting point to walk, they are from Olympic Stadium (29km), Caringbah Station (24km), Blessed Mary Mackillop Chapel (9km) and Central Station (3.5km). I take from Blessed Mary MacKillop Chapel. I cross the Sydney Bridge, and see the Darling Harbor, through Chinese street and 7 power stations of Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, courage, piety, awe). It takes about 5 hours of walking including lunch break. I arrive at Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse) at 5 PM. It is already very crowded and I get grass for tonight sleep. Hahaha.
The evening vigil starts at 7 PM together with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. After evening vigil (9.30 PM), I walk around to adoration room but it is very crowded. I decide to sleep first until 2 AM then go to adoration room until morning. But 1 AM, I waken up because of my friend beside me. He makes unpleasant noise. So I go to adoration room. When I walk, I see some people still have more energy until that time. They are still dancing, singing, and talking. Wow! I think if it is not for God’s grace, they won’t be able to do it!! I go to adoration room for adoration and confession. Until 3 AM, I still can wake up. Looking other pilgrims sleeping in the adoration room, I join with them for sleep (This is very bad!!). 1,5 hours later I am waken up by a sister who asks me to sleep in my place (Actually, this is once of a lifetime experience. Maybe, I won’t sleep together again with God in the same room in this world =p). I directly go to my place and still some people are dancing and singing (It is 4.30 AM). I very amazed with God’s grace!!

20th July 2008, Sunday! It is World Youth Day 2008
I sleep again and in the morning about 6.30 AM, I wake up. It is very cold (almost 3 degree Celsius). I brush my teeth, and then packed up my things as other people are coming for the final mass. Before the final mass, Pope comes in His Papal Mobile go around the area. He gives blessings to 11 lucky toddlers. The Final Mass starts at 10 AM. The Mass is very deeply touched as Pope himself celebrates the mass. Finally, Pope Homily says do not be afraid to invite Holy Spirit in our life. Before the final blessings, I still remember what Pope says when he announces the next WYD host city. He says, “We will meet again in World Youth Day 2011 at Madrid, Spain.” Spanish people suddenly cheer up!!! Finally, Pope gives final blessing and then it is the end of WYD SYD 2008. Although it is only 5 days events, WYD SYD 2008 is an unforgettable event!! There is so much joy, peace in this event. Like what the song says, “There is so much joy in the kingdom. There is so much peace in the kingdom.”

Special thanks to:
1. God Almighty. Creator of Heaven and Earth, without His Grace, this event will not be able to be held.
2. Papa, mama, Kristian. For your prayer throughout the journey of faith and before the journey.
3. Iwan. For his kindness and financial support and sharing in this journey.
4. Elaine, Maggy, Osmond, Valent, and other Jesus Youth Singapore Contingent. Thanks for sharing throughout the journey and make this journey left me a sweet memories.
5. Special deeply thanks to my host family in the Fairfield. Auntie Aleli, Auntie Margaret, Therese, and Paulo. You give us a pleasant stay in your house, and your kindness preparing our breakfast and supper. Thank you also for late night pick up from station to home. Also thank you for your accommodation, internet, water, etc.. You give us the memorable stay while in Australia. God Bless You Always!!

These are the list people that I meet from WYD:
ASIA & OCEANIA
Malaysia, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Papua New Genuia, East Timor, New Zealand, Cook Island, China, Japan, Thailand

AFRICA
South Africa, UEA, Oman, Sudan

EUROPE
Germany, UK, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Croatia, Belgium, Portugal

AMERICA
USA, Canada, Brazil

The rest, I don't remember. Forgive me.. =p