The morning reflection was again insightful and we then took what I thought was going to be a cable car ride but turned out to be a very step tram ride giving us a beautiful view of the Carpathian mountains surrounding Zakopane. Here we walked up hill where the Church of Our Lady of Fatima sits. The church welcomes all and in this spirit the Mass celebrated by our new Bishop elect Richard Umber and co-celebrated with the bus Chaplins, a very sad but fitting end to our pilgrimage.
With all the Sydney Catholic school pilgrims added the mix there were about 900 people to attend the evening Sydney Archdiocesan Mass.
In his homily Bishop-elect Umbers urged use to all persevere with prayer, and to share our World Youth Day experience with friends calling Australians in general "an unbelieving lot".
“In these days we’ve lived with people who have a lot of faith," he said.
"In this nation of Poland we’ve seen people who really believe. I was very taken when we went to Auschwitz, a place that would seem to be a real challenge to the faith ...and they still believe. That’s the kind of faith we can learn from the Polish people, and bring back to Australia.
“You’re going to go back and talk about all the wonderful things you’ve seen and done – that you saw the Pope and it was awesome, and we sang and there was great music - and for many of you you’re going to feel a bit alone".
“We need to be humble in our prayer, and give Jesus the opportunity [to help us]. Sometimes he grants straight away – we ask and we receive. Other times he holds back so we learn to be patient".
“Persevere with your friends, pray, and bring them on the journey with you.”
There is something in this for all of us....
Couple more sleeps and I'll be home. Pray for safe travel for me.
God Bless.
Kris x