More Coming soon

Well by now most of the group will be almost home...with so many more tales to tell.

We will continue to get this blog up to date...our last week became so busy and we were so exhausted that we didn't find time to update here.

Our Ireland experience was amazing too...a welcome refresher both mentally and physically after the heat of Madrid.

I'll complete with blog with accompanying photos on our return. Stay tuned!

Gabrielle

HIghlights so far from Jacinta

It's been two weeks since we began this journey and I still find it hard to believe I'm in Spain.

Highlights for me so far include:
- praying the prayers that my class wrote in a special place each day 
- my first Mass said in Spanish at the Benedictine Monastery
- walking part of the Camino
- visiting the relics of St James in Santiago de Compostela and St Teresa in Avila and Alba de Tormes
- traveling on the trains in Madrid (even despite the crowds)
- watching the Cross and Icon being carried into the Australian gathering
- a plate full of ham for dinner


One thing I have found challenging is Spanish door locks!

For our first Catechesis session we went to a church near where we are staying. The first speaker was a man who runs youth camps in the USA, he taught us a few chants like God is good- All the time. All the time-God is good. The his group did a dramatization about how we can leave Jesus on the cross by our actions but how He always forgives. 

The Archbishop of New York gave a passionate Catechesis about being "Firm in the Faith". He threw in a few "Praise be Jesus Christ" to which we would respond  "now and forever" just to make sure we were listening. It was very engaging so the responses were always loud.

The rest of the day was spent catching trains, waiting in lines (all part of being a pilgrim) and exploring more of Madrid.

That night some of us went to Flamenco Passion which showed the Annunciation, Passion and Resurrection. It was amazing! The Resurrection was the highlight with the costumes, lighting, music and of course the dancing making such a joyful atmosphere. 

Paul Hannam joined the pilgrimage in Madrid.

Joining the group in Madrid....WYD so far!!

The journey to WYD Madrid started on a warm Sunday morning in Syd. Traveling by my self was going to be a challenge but I new god was going to be there every step of the way. I tok of from Sydney at 3:45 pm the trip had begun. I was on the plane thinking to my self why I was taking this journey. And I put it down to wanting to become closer to my faith and to be able to admit that I love jesus. So I got to bangkok where I met up with four Australian pilgrims, Ryan, Luke, Sarah and Maddie we where talking to each over and we where letting each over in on why we had taken the trip. It was amazing. We got back on the plane to Frankfurt. 

On arrival into to Madrid airport the adrenelin had kicked in I was really excited. I grabbed my bags and said my goodbyes to the new friends I had made. I was blown away from the city on my drive to my accommodation. I arrived where I met up with my group which was good to see them and here there stories of the last week I had missed. 

The next morning we had the Australian ceremony to welcome all Australian pilgrims. The atosmsphere was amazing. Pilgrims everywhere, chanting and singing. We got seated and the ceromine begun. After the Aussie welcoming we had the opening mass.                                                                                              

 Catchesis started today, which was a great way to start our faith journey into the  world. We went as the Bathurst group. Songs, praise, and laughter was one of the main enjoyments of catches is.                                                                  
  As the days have gone on we have all become more stronger, closer, and like family. Jesus leads on this faith journey knowing that in the end we are going to become great humans in our future. This week is and always will be the biggest change in my life. And I ow it to all the pilgrims that have been celebrating WYD 2011.                                                                                                       Paul Hannam

Home stay reflections continued...

Nicole and I were met with a warm welcome of hugs and kisses on both cheeks by our home stay 'mother', Mar. Mar lives close by her parish church, which appears to be common here in Spain. So it was with great delight that we only needed to walk a couple of blocks to our new home loaded with our backpacks.

Mar lives in a corner apartment, overlooking a plaza. Her home has three bedrooms and is filled with many reminders of key monuments found in the old city of Salamanca. She is also fond of writing verses from the Bible and creating mandalas to place around her home as reminders of her Catholic faith..

On arrival, Mar proudly noted that she had been attempting to learn English.. We assured her that we knew minimal Spanish...However, we soon learnt terms like 'no entiendo' (I do not understand), and 'muy bien dormer' (did you sleep well?).

Mar ensured that we experienced many of the aspects of Spanish life. Including a typical breakfast of 'cafè con leche', melon and breads. Siesta (an afternoon nap) has been a feature inextricably linked to Spain, and for many of us Aussies, is something we have been very much willing to embrace.. Siesta is a pleasant time of respite from the intense heat of the afternoon and from walking the well worn cobblestone paths of Salamanca.

For many the thought of a stay in a 'strangers' home in a foreign country would seem daunting. However, this experience has not only enhanced my understanding of Spanish culture and language...It has reinforced the universal values of old fashioned hospitality, of opening your hearts and home.
Jane Donaldson


First of all WOW! What an experience days in the diocese was for myself and everybody within our group. Not having experienced the same concept in Sydney 08 I was expecting a younger family with some Spanish at the bare minimum but boy was I wrong!
Myself and Matthew ventured off to the home of Jose and Carmina not really sure what to expect but all we found was food, lots of food and the true Christian trait of love for everybody. They went out of there way to make sure we were comfortable with HUGE meals and packed lunches and hospitality rarely seen. We experienced their family life and attempted to share ours and with the exchange of photos and gifts we were welcomed back anytime.
Festival of the nations on the final nite was very entertaining with some great presentations.
A great and interesting experience was had by all and even more so a true experience of the Spanish way of life
Ross McKeown

Life changing...

There are some amazing things happening...yes the events, the amazing people and places, but to quote one of our pilgrims, "it is not so much want we are dong but what it is doing in us".

It is extraordinary what can happen when we let God in; courage, love and faith walk hand in hand. "It is wonderful to be here"... Daily we are having transfiguration experiences... I am blessed because I get to be part of everyone's journey I am honored to share some of the deep journeying with our group, as individuals and as a unit.

Each day someone is doing it tough, each day someone learns something new, each day someone finds God in a new day, each day someone is tired beyond measure....actually that is everyone most days...however no one is prepared to let an opportunity to slip by. Every day from deep within, sometimes very deep within, we take a new step forward with arms out stretched, offering a space for God to journey with us.
Gabrielle Sinclair

The Australian Gathering from Landon Brady 17 from Coona

Gabrielle had informed me that we had to leave early Tuesday morning because I had a job to do at our Australian gathering. She did not tell me what it was. Later I found out that I was going to be a part of carrying the cross and icon into the Australian gathering. At this point I did not think that I would be privileged to be chosen for such an experience, as carrying the WYD cross into the welcoming ceremony for Australian pilgrims. We arrived at the stadium and were taken 'behind the scenes' to prepare ourselves. I sat there talking to the other 5 Australians also carrying the cross and discovered that we had not prepared ourselves for what was about to happen. Our jaws dropped to the ground when we walked into the fifteen thousand seat stadium to practice, I was constantly looking around with hundreds of things racing through my mind. After our practice we hid the cross and icon at the back of the stadium as it was a surprise and waited and watched the stadium slowly fill with Australian pilgrims. The excitement grew and grew and the enthusiasm of the crowd made the adrenalin race in all of us. When the coordinator came back to tell us to smile, one of the boys said, "how could we not, this is amazing!" and it was. I couldn't stop smiling and in the moment of walking out in front of   Three thousand Aussies I knew that God was with me. It was one of those moments that you know why God put you there, to enjoy the moment, to live it, and be happy! The cross was so heavy and at one point a priest in the crowd touched me on the shoulder and said, "you can do it". But the weight did not bother me because the excitement and happiness took over, and I couldn't remove the smile off my face! This experience is one I will never ever forget, it is one of the most memorable moments of my life :)
Landon Brady 

In Madrid....WYD beginnings!

The highlight of Madrid so far for me was how we kicked off our world youth day celebrations. After finding the sports stadium we were joined with all 3000 Australian pilgrims for prayer and song. The excitement was electric and really stirred the enthusiasm for the week ahead. We were very lucky to have music from both Gary Pinto and Fr Robert Galea. The most moving movement for me thus far was the arrival of the WYD cross and icon. Watching Landon carry in the cross was emotional for many of us. For me, it brought back memories of WYD in Sydney. As a member of the JCI team for the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, it reminded me of the emotions attached to those previous experiences. It's been 3 years since we last celebrated this wonderful event and personally it is refreshing for me to reflect in the years since the last WYD and how my own faith journey has changed and developed since Sydney. I look forward to continued celebration throughout the week and am excited to take it home and share those experiences with the Poole of my Parish and the students I teach. I feel truly blessed to be part of this pilgrimage group in Bathurst and have great hopes for the rest of WYD.

Shannaon Haase

Overview so far from Nick Purnell 17 from Lithgow

Since the beginning of this WYD pligrimage I have been open to many different opportunities and challenges  have that come along. Some of these experiences include: nearly losing my passport before we even left the airport, witnessing mass and evening prayer in spanish ,eating my body weight in ham and bread, walking a total of ten Km of the Camino de Santiago, communicating with my non-English speaking  host parents during the days in the diocese, riding on my first train, celebrating mass with a million other youths that all believe in the same faith and god, climbing every available step on the Avila wall and receiving sunburn as a result of this. Looking ahead I am excited about welcoming the holy father,  camping at cuatro  and watching the soccer in our final night in spain.

The infamous "man" fan!

Nick Purnell

Homestay

When I found out we were staying in home stay in Salamanca I had very mixed emotions. I was scared and excited, but at the same time grateful for a comfortable bed and food. When I met the family I would be staying with I was petrified because they coundnt speak English!!! ( lucky I had my mum :) )

My experience of home stay was full of cultural awareness and GREAT hospitality!! At some times too great when we were force fed. The generosity of my host mother, host father and host sister made this experience so nice and touched the heart. This generosity and open heartedness remindedWhen I found out we were staying in home stay in Salamanca I had very mixed emotions. I was scared and excited, but at the same time grateful for a comfortable bed and food. When I met the family I would be staying with I was petrified because they coundnt speak English!!! ( lucky I had my mum :) )

My experience of home stay was full of cultural awareness and GREAT hospitality!! At some times too great when we were force fed. The generosity of my host mother, host father and host sister made this experience so nice and touched the heart. This generosity and open heartedness reminded me of days in the diocese in cowra in 2008 when the Cowra people opened their homes and hearts to pilgrims. They were so excited, just as our host family is now.. It has really helped make our pilgrimage enjoyable. My host mother and host father came to every mass and spent as much time as they could with us, sharing our cultural, spiritual and social journey with us. The only time they backed off was when mum asked if she could stay lol.

Socially, the highlight of my journey was when my host sister took me and other from the group to a night club. however mum wasn't happy that they wouldn't let her come and made her go sight seeing instead :)

These days in the diocese of salamanca have been a memorable experience that I will never forget and hold in my heart forever. My mixed emotions at the start were the same at the whole journey of days in the diocese. Although it was stressful at times with the language differences; the hospitality, love and happiness we shared together made the it more than worth while and gave me memories I will cherish. me of days in the diocese in cowra in 2008 when the Cowra people opened their homes and hearts to pilgrims. They were so excited, just as our host family is now.. It has really helped make our pilgrimage enjoyable. My host mother and host father came to every mass and spent as much time as they could with us, sharing our cultural, highlight of my journey was when my host sister took me and other from the group to a night club. however mum wasn't happy that they wouldn't let her come and made her go sight seeing instead :)

These days in the diocese of salamanca have been a memorable experience that I will never forget and hold in my heart forever. My mixed emotions at the start were the same at the whole journey of days in the diocese. Although it was stressful at times with the language differences; the hospitality, love and happiness we shared together made the it more than worth while and gave me memories I will cherish.

Bischof duo

Home stay in Salamanca

Introductions

When home stay began we were petrified!!! It was hard to imagine what it was going to be like living in the home of strangers. We did not know if we would be able to communicate with them (we don't speak much Spanish!) or they with us. Night 1 was very tense, but with much gesturing, a mix of French and Spanish and English, the help of a Spanish dictionary, and our truly a amazing 11 year old translator we survived.

Goodbyes

By day 2 we were much more relaxed. We knew we could survive and we could speak fairly well. Dinner conversation actually flowed really well, much to our surprise. It was our second and last with the family and we had a little gift for each family member. Their excitement in having an Australian souvenir was so fantastic!

Tennille is seriously considering packing Cecilia, the daughter in our home stay family, into her bag and taking her home. I don't think we would have survived without her!!! The experience of home stay has been amazing and we are proud of the way we have adapted to the experience.

Tennille Gaffney and Lucy Bryant

Home stay in Salamanca

Home stay in Salamanca

A Spanish Welcome

Amy and I are very lucky to be staying with a really lovely old lady here in Salamanca. Our only problem is that she doesn't speak English, not a word! Dinner takes a really long time  as I have to try and translate the whole conversation between Amy and Hope (I don't know how to say her name in Spanish). Hope always makes sure that we have plenty to eat, actually, too much to eat. Last night she cut herself a small portion of a rather large quiche then gave us the rest. And that was only one course... We had two other courses !

Our final goodbyes, sad but amazing!

When we first got to her house, she ran around showing us photos of her family members and trying to explain to us who they all were. When Amy showed Hope the photos of her family she laughed at Ryan's hair (Amy's brother) because it's so red and curly and long. We have been giving Hope presents randomly throughout our stay. We are now in trouble and are not allowed to give her any more presents!

The strangest thing that has happened is when Hope tried vegemite. We showed her how much to put on her toast, and she loved it. Next minute she was dipping it into her coffee! Apparently Spanish people dip everything into their coffee. So of course we had to try it, and we must say it wasn't as bad as we thought, and we think all of you should try it too!!

Amy Leonarda and Kate Rootes

Amy, Hope and Kate

Cruz de Ferro

Cathedral of Astorga

Gaudi Designed, Episcopal Palace

Day 5 of our pilgrimage was packed with incredible experiences! It's a good thing the sun doesn't set until 10.30 or we would never finish everything. We started with a guided tour of Gaudi's Cathedral and Episcopal palace in Astorga which now houses a beautiful pilgrim's museum.

All the gang at the Cruz de Ferro

Then, for the moment we had all been waiting for... Each of as had been carrying a small stone with us every day since June, when we met for a pilgrim formation weekend. This stone represented those prayers we held for the pilgrimage. We had become very attached to these small stones over the past months, with some even giving them names. A 3 Km (uphill!!!) walk to Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims from all over the world leave their stones, gave us a taste of what it is like to walk El Camino. I have to say that even with aching feet I'm as convinced as ever that I'll one day complete the entire journey on foot, and I'm sure I will not be the only one!!! Cruz de Ferro did not disappoint, and leaving that stone behind really gave a feeling that we too are a part of something bigger in our faith.

O'Cebriero in Galicia, Cetlic Spain

On to the next destination on the Camino. As we took our bus along the road, we could see pilgrims walking on their way. Lunch in Villadafranca where I've ever had so much fun ordering lunch! It's an experience when you don't speak Spanish and the shopkeeper knows no English. Somehow with lots of laughing and gesturing from everyone involved we were able to get our message across!

6th Century Benedictine Monastery of Samos

We had 2 mass experiences in a day. The first in O Cebriero was just our group, but the second was truly incredible. This was my first experience of a mass in Spanish, in the Benedictine monastery following evening vespers with the monks. I was really looking forward to this, and it did not disappoint! We were even given a special pilgrim's blessing at the end of mass. I was in awe... Even if I barely understood a word of what was said.

Sarria was our final destination for the day, and was I glad to see that bed! It was such a full-on but exciting day, and I couldn't wait for the next to start. On to Santiago de Compostela and the end of El Camino!!
Lucy Bryant

Santiago

Santiago de Compostela

Today we followed in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who have walked El Camino - the way - to Santiago de Compostela to pray at the tomb of the Apostle James. Although we only walked the final 6 km it was still deeply moving to finally arrive in the plaza before the ancient facade of the Cathedral.




Bishop McKenna, Fr Tim, Fr Martin, and myself had the privilege of concelebrating the pilgrims' mass with the Archbishop of Santiago. This was an amazing experience. From the sanctuary we looked down on thousands of pilgrims waving thousands of national flags and singing lively songs with gusto.

If this we not exciting enough, at the conclusion of mass the giant thurible for which Santiago is famous was lit and lifted aloft. I could not help but be amused as I watched the entire congregation swing their heads side to side as they followed the progress of the thurible. At the end of the incensing the entire congregation broke into thunderous applause and we processed out to the sound of a thousand voices joined in praise.

For me Santiago has been one of the most memorable experiences of the pilgrimage so far. I hope to return to this place one day and pray once more before the tomb of the Apostle.

Fr Greg Bellamy

El Camino de Santiago: Foncebadón to Cruz de Ferro

El Camino de Santiago: Foncebadón to Cruz de Ferro

At our last meeting in Australia we were given a pebble to carry with us on pilgrimage. For me, a stone represents some hardness in my life; a part of myself that I refuse to let God change; a piece of clay that is no longer useful to the Potter. Everyone in our pilgrim group carried a pebble with them on their journey to Spain and today we were letting them go.

After our tour of Astorga we travelled by bus to Foncebadón, a roadside village stop along El Camino de Santiago or 'The Way of St. James'. We were going to make a short 3.5km pilgrimage walk along this track that weaves its ways around Spain for many hundreds of kilometres. Our destination was the 'Cruz de Ferro' (Cross of iron) where we would have the opportunity to cast off our pebbles at the foot of the cross as many thousands of pilgrims had done before us.

We began our journey at the Foncebadón village, heading out along the track. We found our way by following the clamshells and arrows that mark the Camino for pilgrims. The group began together walking through the village, but slowly we spread along the track as each person 'found their own pace' as they walked with their God.

It is impossible to express the meaning and significance that each person may have found in this journey, but in order to give you a glimpse of it, I would like to share part of my reflection on the walk.

As I walked along the white gravel track, amongst the native brushes and green, gently sloping hills I noticed church ruins, distant wind power turbines and the gentle breeze. The conditions were excellent for walking: warm with clear skies and a cooling breeze.

I hadn't been able to put any name to the pebble (or the burden) that I carried with me toward this journey. However, as I walked, a recent conversation I had had in Australia came into my mind. As I walked along the memory became stronger. The crux of the conversation had been a debate about 'Why God doesn't speak to us when we ask and pray in desperate moments for an answer?' I remember being unsettled by this question and unable to rely on faith for comfort. This feeling of uncertainty returned as I walked and it became my companion. So we walked together the Camino this short way.

By this time, more firmly back on the track, my pace had placed me in step with Tim, who was also enjoying the weather and scenery, as well as collecting photos along the way.  I listened as Tim shared some stories about his life and his wonder at the surrounds. As we walked something of my bonds to the pebble I carried began to loosen inside of me. I did not have to speak here, I just had to be present.

We walked on up a hill and were overtaken by a pilgrim from León (as Tim later found out). As he was overtaking us, he held out a rock and spoke some Spanish that I didn't understand.  In reply I held out my pebble and an expression of recognition spread across his face. He wished us both "Buen Camino" and continued on his way. Again my internal grip on the pebble relaxed a little more. I was starting to find a peace within myself that had not been there before. This time I had communicated with a simple gesture/symbol.

After  some more time walking with my companions and the pebble, the Cruz de Ferro came into view: a simple metal cross about 40cm tall, that was mounted on top of long wooden pillar and planted in a mound of rocks and pebbles. Here at the cross I would let my pebble go.

I scaled the mound of loose rocks, dodging around other pilgrims and slipping a few times. At the foot of the cross I touched my pebble to the pillar and gave it one last squeeze. Then I turned and rolled it down the mound of stones between other pilgrims in our group. It was lost amongst all the other stones that lay there. I didn't try to seek it out again. One of my companions left.

I had found a peace through my experiences on a walk. A resolution to the problem that first presented itself at the beginning of the trek. Maybe when we feel we need God to 'speak' in answer to our prayers, it is not a voice that we need in those times. Perhaps it is the presence of our God in that moment that is really what our inmost self needs; and God, being the loving Father, the friendly Son and the transforming Spirit gives us exactly what we need. After all, can a child always know what it is they need?

This was my Camino reflection, a short walk with my God amongst other pilgrims and cooled by a gentle breeze.

Matthew Tonini

Avila to Leon...the journey continues

 A little sad to be leaving Avila this morning. We felt a real connection with St Teresa here. Especially celebrating Mass in the chapel in the Monastery of the Incarnation where Teresa spent 30 years of her life. What an incredibly courageous yet simple woman. She found God in the simple things of life-in the gentle whisperings. She also taught that prayer is simply conversation with God! We could all do with reminding ourselves of this simplicity at times.

On to Leon we ventured. We had some free time to explore the old part of this city. What a beautiful area of the city - flowers from every balcony on the main streets. We all met at the Cathedral of Leon, and were privileged to celebrate Mass in a small chapel of the Cathedral. Mary MacKillop's first feast day and we celebrated it in Spain. Cool.








After Mass we had a guided tour of the Cathedral. Gab had told us that the stained glass windows of the cathedral would be breathtaking and she didn't lie!!!!! The cathedral has 1800 square metres of stained glass! Truly breathtaking. So hard to understand how they built such incredible buildings so long ago.

We left Leon and travelled a short distance to Astorga. Great accommodation - thanks Gab! The plaza seemed to come alive around 9 pm with many families out socializing and eating.

Fr Martin reminded us in his homily that God tells us if we give him a way in, He will give us a way out. May we find many ways to let God in on our journey.

PETA Bischof

Our first days in Spain

Pilgrimage day 2 for us. It's funny it feels like we've hear for our whole life, slipping into the way of life so easily! Our city of hosting has been Avila, it's such a beautiful city, the guide said including roman, gothic and medieval buildings, all I know I have a sort of love for this tranquil city.

Fear not however families from home!!! We are being well fed, three times a day, however lunch is almost always ( actually always) a dining experience at one of the local bars, cafes and eateries :D  I have a deep and meaningful love affair with tapas....tapas tapas tapas, could live off you despite not knowing what's goes in it.


Now before you leaps to conclusions, yes our religious cups are being filled, once, twice and three times over. Monumental, towering cathedrals and churches fill Avila at every turn, each one more impressive than the last. The sense of spirituality and religiosity is spread from the very bricks of Avila and the people. The towering walls of Avila serve to remind me of what we are capable of through God, the walls standing longer than our country!! Despite the bustle and the busyness of the city, it is easy to find a sense of tranquility and peace, especially gazing out on the landscape and being reminded that St Therese once walked the same paths and carried out her mission in the very streets.

As you can imagine, it is easy to capture the spirit of God and His people and begin preparation for the coming World Youth Week. Especially with the members of the group that has embarked, the momentum is slowly building up, ready for Cuatro Vientos and the final mass with Pope Benedict!

Before I go  I have a small story to share, now as background, I firmly believe in "getting into the spirit of things" so I purchased for myself a fantastic, completely functional and fashionable wooden walking stick. Following that I also bought a waterskin, can I get " go you total pilgrim"!? In any case, heaps into it, as a result....I have now picked up the nickname John, as in....John the Baptist. -_- as you can guess, it is an incredible experience!!!!!

Mark Williams

Heading to Summer in 3 Sleeps

It is hard to believe after all the planning it is nearly here.
Almost 3 years ago we heard Pope Benedict announce that WYD 2011 would be held in Madrid, Spain.

What an amazing opportunity and exciting time that we have in store. I still have some surprises up my self for our diocesan pilgrims and I am sure pilgrimage has many more surprises that aren't planned along the way.
From our quick tour of Northern Spain to our Days in the Diocese experience in Salamanca, we be be collecting memories for a lifetime. Then to our week in Madrid with 2 million or more for around the World we come together to share our experience of faith and find our common love in Jesus Christ.

Then on to Ireland to spend some time in reflection before we come back to the bust pace of our everyday. To sit and ponder what our heart, our God is calling us to.

But first 20 or more hours in the air! Our group includes veteran travellers and complete newbies, what an adventure!
Keep us in your prayers!