The Pilgrimage walk and Vigil with Pope Francis

Before embarking on the journey the students took up prayer stones which were relate to the great Way of St James pilgrimage beginning in France and crossing Spain. the stones were placed in the shape of a cross with a WYD candle at the cross beams. the students were encouraged to have hope in the cross, to be disciples of Jesus by taking up their cross to follow him and with Christ to go out into the world making disciples and bringing Christ into the world. They were asked to consider what on this pilgrimage they would take up (good habits) and what would they leave behind ( habits they need to let go)

Due to the rain we have been having, the vigil and final mass have been switched to Copacabana Beach, making them accessible to more people and also allowing the locals to go home and return in the morning. The switch shortened the walk to about 10 km. It was a jolly affair with much singing, waving, exchange of gifts, and "where are you from?" from many of the estimated 3 million pilgrims gathering. The walk was particularly picturesque as we passed from one side of sugarloaf mountain to the other along the bay. After arriving and securing a section for Aussie pilgrims, we iinvestigated the markets before Pope Francis arrived.

The pope was helicoptered in and then drove the length of Copacabana beach just as he had done on previous occasions. We were able to get within about 5 m of the popemobile each time!

The evening began with spiritual music and then testimonies of how God has touched the lives of several young people, including stories of conversion of heart to God.

The Pope's homily.

(With apologies for errors and missing the beginning due to audio clarity) The seed is the word of God. We need to make fertile soil in our hearts so that His word may grow in us. Our holy father says that this is much bigger than the World Cup, it offers the possibility of eternal life. However we need to pay the entrance fee - which is prayer and speaking with Jesus. Do not be afraid of the silence. Ask Jesus what do you want me to do. This is the training. Ask Jesus and do not be afraid to pray. via log with Jesus and through the sacraments, to listen to God, forgive, and love others without exclusion. Prayer, sacraments, helping others. The field is a work in construction. In our hearts is good land when we receive the word of God. We are never alone, but part of a church, together we are able to build the Church like St Francis. Are you ready, we are part of the church, but we become builders of the church. Be protagonists, strive for a better world and for peace, St. Peter tells us that we are living rocks that form a spiritual field. Jesus asks us to be living rocks which build the church. Jesus asks us to build a big church which will hold all people. Make disciples, build a church. Be constructor builders of the church of Jesus Christ. Your young hearts want to build a better world. Don't be passive and let others lead the change, but you are to be protagonists of this change, I ask you to be builders of the future, don't watch life from the balcony, be active just as Jesus did. One question remains, "where do we start?" people once asked mother Theresa. "With you and me." She replied. Everyone should ask yourself this question of themselves. Dear friend remember you are a field of faith, builders of a new church. And look to our lady who gives us the strength to say to God, may your will be done in me. 

This was followed by some time of adoration and songs of praise. Including, I need you - sung by Matt Maher. O God how I need you, your my one defence, my righteousness, O God how I need you!

Following this were prayers and benediction. Also was sung the australian WYD 2008 theme song, Receive the Power, in Portuguese and English. And of course Salve Regina. And a previous WYD theme song Jesus Christ you are my life.