Greetings from Down Under!

We have only been in Australia for about a week and it already feels like home!
I cannot get enough of the World Youth Day atmosphere.
Today we celebrated mass with the rector major and met various salesians from all over the world.
It was an amazing experience to see the impact Don Bosco's life made on the youth of the world.
and there is still so much more to go!

Diana Griffin

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Bulli Beautiful

Bulli - pronounced bull- i (long vowel) is a scenic coastal town, with an azure sea and clean
sands surrounded by mountains cliffs that make this first step of our journey a welcome haven.
Our hosts, both young and old have been delightful! The image of Aussie hospitality is well merited. At the moment a large steaming pot of boullanaise (spaghetti sauce) and noodles is on the table for us. Our hosts at the moment are an extraordinary witness of a young married family with six children who animate a Youth Mission Team of about 8 young adults. While welcoming us they are also preparing for their role in a catechetical session this Friday and a drama performance that evening. There is no shortage of gospel life here witnessing to radical commitment and joy. Such vitality connecting with our open and lively delegation is electric! Thanks for your prayers!
judy alvarez :)

Coming to Bulli

The flight over was filled with excitement to say the least. The full flight was packed with WYD pilgrims--coming from the Midwest (Wisconsin and South Dakota), a group from Colombia, and Sydney-Canada! While on the flight, a young Columbian pilgrim took to the mic and proposed to his very surprised girlfriend. When we finally landed we were warmly greeted by our tour coordinator (even though the weather is pretty cold). Surprisingly we were also welcomed by Fr. Bernie, the Youth Ministry Delegate from Australia.

After a 2 hour bus ride from the airport, we finally arrived at St. Joseph's Parish in Bulli. The youth animators were excited to welcome us. Luckily for us, that welcome included hot soup, pastries and tea.

As the afternoon continued we were farmed out to our host families. A few of us waiting for later pick-ups hung out at the youth center with the youth minister and the youth animators. Hopefully tomorrow we will be ready for a full day of exploration!

Keep reading!

Preparations Underway

42 pilgrims from around the province (and then some)
16 hours in the air
18 days Down Under
500,000 young Catholics
1 Holy Father

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses." WYD2008 Theme