Pilgrims revel in pageantry, by Terry Smyth - The Sun-Herald - 20th July 2008
On any other day, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is hardly a religious experience, but for thousands of pilgrims yesterday it was just that.
Before dawn, under a full moon and led by a cross, the first wave of an estimated 180,000 pilgrims set out on the nine-kilometre walk from North Sydney to Randwick racecourse in sombre fashion, praying as they went.
But when the sun came up the mood lifted and the bridge was all colour and movement - waving flags and banners, laughter, singing, cheers and shouts. Suddenly, the atmosphere was festive and that feeling was infectious as passing pilgrims exchanged smiles and greetings with police, media, bridge climbers and helicopters above, and with the joggers who puffed through their ranks, taking advantage of the bridge being closed to traffic.
"Hola!" "Bonjour!" G'day!"
Thirteen pilgrims were chosen to carry the cross and icon over the bridge at dawn. Brenda Schoeninger, 28, of Denver, Colorado, was one of them.
"Even with 12 others it was really heavy and it made me realise how heavy it was for Jesus. I think it helped me reflect on myself and my own faith," she said.
Anna, Justine, Kathleen and Ketoni, from Tonga, agreed the walk was the highlight of World Youth Day. As Ketoni said, "walking over the bridge, on top of the water, is like a baptism".
Chants of "Aussie Aussie Aussie" and New Zealand warrior cries gave way to reflective prayers and a slower pace as the cross and icon entered the pilgrimage to cross the bridge.
Waving the Stars and Stripes and chanting "USA! USA!" came a group of 52 Americans from Oregon.
Jarisa Samoyoa said: "Seeing the Pope was amazing. I was only, like, 5 feet [1.5 metres] away from him at the Opera House."
Hilma Samoyoa said: "For me, it's seeing a lot of people who are into their faith and having the time of their lives because this is an incredible journey to be on."
American Peter Machi of Wisconsin said: "It's an outpouring of excitement and happiness over love of God."
Sandie Millar, 24, from Belfast, who has been to three World Youth Days, declared Sydney the best yet.
Trailing a wave of Aussie pilgrims wearing Australian flags as capes and singing Waltzing Matilda was Josh Morrison and a few of his mates. "We've come all the way from Campbelltown," he said. "We had to get up at four in the morning."
Unlike most walkers, Josh and his mates were not bound for Randwick racecourse to camp out under the stars before today's papal Mass. In fact, they weren't pilgrims at all.
'We only came for the bridge walk," Mr Morrison admitted.
Father Benedict Deleon, of Redding, California, said seeing the Pope on the boat was great. "I got to about 200metres from him. And the Stations of the Cross was really fantastic."
John, from the Solomon Islands, agreed. "The Stations of the Cross really touched my heart," he said.
Under St Andrew's Cross flags marched a group of 24 Scots from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
"This walk is great!" Paul said, "and the opening Mass was excellent."
They were prepared for a cold night camping at Randwick. "But it'll be worth it," Paul said, as his fellow pilgrims burst into song. "It's the theme song of our football club," he said. Celtic, of course.
Media Man Australia Profiles
World Youth Day
Randwick
posted by Greg @ 10:36 PM
