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Apostolic Journeys of Pope Benedict XVI (Currently: France, Lourdes)

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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#761	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5604 07/01/08 03:04:50	Pell backs sex abuse apology News Australia.com - Sydney Catholic Archbishop George Pell has left the door open for the Pope to apologise to Australians who have been sexually and physically abused by Catholic clergy. Cardinal Pell said would support an apology from Pope Benedict XVI when he visits Australia for World Youth Day (WYD) next month, but is not expecting him to do so. The Pope apologised to American abuse victims on a visit there in April. "I'm not expecting him to make any dramatic statements. He is a wonderful teacher and he will give Catholics here plenty to think about," Cardinal Pell said in an interview with Sky News. "Certainly, there's plenty for which we're not proud. "We faced up to it, I think, pretty well for quite some time now. "I think it would be appropriate for the Pope to say something on that score." Cardinal Pell also defended the World Youth Day event which, he said, would attract more than 200,000 pilgrims from overseas and Australia. Pell backs sex abuse apology Hopes of papal apology over sex abuse
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#762	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5608 07/02/08 17:10:47	Australian Authorities Defend Police Powers During Pope's Visit Bloomberg - Australian authorities defended giving police the power to fine protesters more than $5,000 if they annoy or inconvenience Catholic pilgrims during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Sydney this month. The New South Wales state government, which introduced the regulations last week, said they are necessary to police the World Youth Day event, which organizers say will draw more than 125,000 international visitors to Sydney from July 15-20. The state's Bar Association yesterday said the rules infringe basic rights, while groups protesting the Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality and contraception say they undermine freedom of speech. The regulation is ``about providing for the safety and comfort of people attending the event,'' the office of state Deputy Premier John Watkins said in an e-mailed statement late yesterday. ``Provisions such as these are essentially consistent with other major events and sporting venues.'' Officers and emergency services have been given the right to stop conduct that ``causes annoyance or inconvenience'' to participants in the event and fine people as much as A$5,500 ($5,270) if they refuse to comply. Australian Authorities Defend Police Powers During Pope's Visit
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#763	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5615 07/04/08 09:09:04	Pope faces lack of faith in Australia: survey AFP Getty Australia is one of the least religious nations in the western world, research showed Friday, as the country prepares to host Pope Benedict XVI and Catholic World Youth Day celebrations this month.Most Australians -- 52 percent -- never or very seldom visit a church, mosque, synagogue or temple for religious reasons, according to an international survey carried out by Germany's Bertelsmann Foundation. While one in four of Australia's 21 million people classify themselves as deeply religious, 28 percent are not at all religious and another 44 percent say religion does not play a central role in their lives.The Religion Monitor survey is the most extensive and detailed study on the significance of religion in the main cultures of the world, says the Bertelsmann Foundation, a private, non-profit group. Pope faces lack of faith in Australia: survey AFP Getty This handout photo received on July 2, 2008 shows a tee-shirt design by Sydney designer Tristan Parry which attempts to highlight the new laws preventing people from "annoying" Catholic pilgrims during Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to Australia for World Youth Day. Under the new laws, police will be able to stop conduct that "causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants" in World Youth Day events, which are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of young people to Sydney. Lawyers say this means that anyone simply wearing a T-shirt with a slogan deemed provocative could be liable to arrest and a fine of up to 5,500 Australian dollars (5,250 US dollars). 'Annoy' squad's pre-emptive strike A tourist cruise boat (C) passes by the Papal stage (front) on Sydney Harbour's Barangaroo Wharf on July 2, 2008. The stage is the location where Pope Benedict XVI will address the pilgrim crowd during World Youth Day celebrations on July 17. AFP Getty Police and emergency service volunteers will be able to stop conduct that "causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants" in World Youth Day events expected to draw hundreds of thousands of young people to Sydney. Miracle girls get audience with Pope HER courage and extraordinary will to survive has won them the admiration of all Australians - now Sophie Delezio is set to be rewarded with an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. And she will be joined by bashing victim Lauren Huxley another young Catholic who has shown a strong will to live. The two will be among a group of young people to meet the Catholic leader when he arrives in Sydney later this month. While 21-year-old Lauren's introduction will take place at the Sacred Heart Church in Darlinghurst on July 18, seven-year-old Sophie - who, along with her family, has been named as one of nine official World Youth Day ambassadors - will be part of a large group of festival volunteers to be thanked by him at The Domain on July 21.... Sophie said she was would be "praying for all the sick kids" when she was in the Holy Father's presence. When she was just two, Sophie suffered third degree burns, lost both her legs and a hand when a vehicle ploughed into her child care centre trapping her beneath it. Two years later, Ms Huxley was the victim of a violent bashing by a stranger in her family's western Sydney home and was given only a 5 per cent chance of survival. As she watched her daughter pose for photographs yesterday, Sophie's father, Ron Delezio, said World Youth Day was incredibly special for their whole family. "To go through what we went through without having faith in something, well it would have been a very lonely place," he said. Miracle girls get audience with Pope
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#764	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5621 07/05/08 05:38:23	From ocker to alter Deep ochre reds reminiscent of the Australian outback will be used for altars at World Youth Day (WYD) events in July, to be attended by the Pope. While most Catholic altars are usually draped in simple white materials, WYD is using the stunning hues to both honour Australia and mark the event's most spiritual areas. Unveiling the colours and designs to be used for WYD, organisers say they turned to Australia's natural wonders for inspiration. Vibrant red, orange, yellow and blue shapes will feature across venue banners, fabric fencing, billboards and flags, echoing Australia's unique landscape. The first sanctuary will be at Barangaroo, near Darling Harbour, for the opening mass and the Pope's arrival on Sydney Harbour. The second showpiece sanctuary will be at Randwick Racecourse and will also feature iconic Australian design elements such as the famous Sydney Opera House curves. At its extremities the sanctuary will measure 60 metres wide and 73 metres deep and will be covered by a 22 metre high roof. An 86 metre ramp from the racetrack to the sanctuary - for a pre-mass procession - and specially designed tiered seating area will be built for the 500 cardinals and bishops celebrating the events. It will also seat the 300-strong WYD choir and 80-piece orchestra. The Pope's Master for Liturgical Ceremonies, Monsignor Guido Marini, unveiled the designs. "We are very impressed with the designs of the sanctuary space," Monsignor Marini says. "The Holy Father will be happy with the youthful yet spiritual direction of the colours and designs as well as the incorporation of Australian themes." From ocker to alter AP Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome, right, and Bishop Anthony Fisher OP. model new robes that are to be worn by clergy at the 23rd World Youth Day during a media event in Sydney, Australia, Thursday , April 17, 2008. AP The chasuble the Pope will wear? Blessing to buy papal souvenirs The Australian - Catholic pilgrims and the public will be able to buy papal mementos after Sydney's archbishop gave his blessing to indulging in "a little commercialism". Shoppers will be able to buy World Youth Day (WYD) souvenirs such as special WYD rosary beads, Pope Benedict XVI baseball caps, rugby jerseys and even teaspoons featuring a photograph of the pontiff. Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell opened one of at least four merchandise stores to be erected in Sydney for the six-day WYDay event. Cardinal Pell said the church was not looking to make a profit from merchandise sales. "The church doesn't expect to make a profit," Cardinal Pell said. "It was never a moneymaking venture." He said he hoped the company established to run WYD merchandising, Event Merchandising Group, made a profit. "There's nothing immoral with a little commercialism," Cardinal Pell said. Blessing to buy papal souvenirs
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#765	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5622 07/05/08 10:47:13	I suppose it was too much to expect that the location of the Pope's retreat would remain confidential until after he had left. Pope's Sydney digs unveiled Telegraph (Australia) The Telegraph (Australia) - The Pope will spend his first three days in Australia unwinding at a semi-rural retreat run by conservative Catholic organisation Opus Dei where television is banned but guests are permitted to bring their own radios. Cardinal George Pell yesterday confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI would be taken straight to the Kenthurst Study Centre, on Sydney's north-western outskirts, after flying into Richmond RAAF Air Base next Sunday. The retreat caters for as many as 30 guests and features tennis, volleyball and basketball courts and a 25m swimming pool. It also has plenty of room to land the helicopter, which the Pope will use to beat Sydney's traffic later in the week. While the Pontiff is unlikely to be shooting hoops, he will be able to indulge his love of playing piano and catch glimpses of the Blue Mountains from the many bush trails on the property before beginning his pastoral duties at World Youth Day. "The venue was chosen as it is a semi-rural location run by the Catholic Church which is in close proximity to Sydney,'' Cardinal Pell said. "At his time at the Kenthurst Study Centre, he will be resting from his long flight - which is the furthest he has travelled. "He will be partaking in his daily prayers, and doing some of the things he enjoys, such as playing the piano.'' The centre itself resembles a large country home but features austere decor suited to an Opus Dei residence. The rooms are simple, furnished with just a single bed, desk, sofa and a small heater... After his three days of private retreat, the Pope will move to Cathedral House in the city to stay with Cardinal Pell for the rest of the week. Sadly, the view from his room will take in sections of Cook and Phillip Park, which remain under construction. City authorities are scrambling to complete the forecourt closest to the Archbishop's residence before July 9, when they hand over the site to World Youth Day organisers. Pope's Sydney digs unveiled Pope to be guest of Opus Dei
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rcesq	National Catholic Register Blogger Tim Drake on Aussie Antagonism	#766	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 1643 07/06/08 00:56:10 Moderator	It does seem as if there's a higher level of antagonism on the part of the Australian public and the press toward WYD, or perhaps the Australian press is simply making it appear that way. I say this based on the large number of stories about Australians complaining about everything from the cost of the event, to road closures and traffic delays, to horse owners upset with the Randwick Racecourse site for the final Mass, to where food is being manufactured for the event, to the restrictions put into effect by Australian police, to the protests scheduled during the event. Recent stories about reactions to the police rules regarding "annoying behavior", have resulted in further antagonism toward the Church. For both sides of the latest controversy, the Sydney Morning Herald has commentary on its blog about the new police law. Father James Martin, writing for America, links to a piece by Jesuit Father Frank Brennan who says that the restrictions interfere with civil liberties and are contrary to the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching. . . . * * * Kristina Keneally, the state government's ministerial spokeswoman for WYD has a well-reasoned response to the controversy here. This National Nine news story, for example, suggests that T-shirt retailers Down Under are sponsoring a T-shirt design competition to come up with irreverent T-shirts for protestors to wear during WYD. The irreverent entries include slogans such as "$5,500, a small price to pay for annoying Catholics" and "I survived a Christian Brothers education". Antagonism Toward the Church Down Under If you ask me, the T-shirt design competition is not merely "irreverent." Most of the entries are quite virulently anti-Catholic. I certainly hope that Australians as a whole are more tolerant than these designs suggest.
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rcesq	Pacific Islanders at World Youth Day	#767	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 1644 07/06/08 00:59:38 Moderator	At every WYD, one of the things that pilgrims always find so remarkable is the opportunity to see the universal Church gathered together - the knees of every nation bowed down. One of the great things about WYD 08 being held in Sydney is that it will have much more of a Pacific "face". Its location means that folks from places like India, the Philippines, Japan, and other Pacific island nations will have a much easier time attending than they would if it were held elsewhere. As evidence of the interest by those from some of these countries, I present the following stories. The Indian Catholic has this story which suggests that the Catholic Church in India will be sending its largest delegation of bishops, priests, and religious to WYD ever. A total of 14 bishops, 80 priests and religious are planning to attend. The Union of Catholic Asian News has this story on the some 2,000 pilgrims who will be attending WYD from the Philippines. They represent 25 of the country's 87 Church jurisdictions. At least five of the Philippine pilgrims are Chinese students studying in the Philippines. Here's a separate story on the Filipino pilgrims. The country of Tonga is sending 712 pilgrims, as told in this story from Matangi Tonga Online. According to the article, it's the first time pilgrims from the Diocese of Tonga have attended WYD. . . . * * * Four bishops, thirty priests, and pilgrims from 19 of Indonesia's 37 dioceses will also be attending WYD according to this Indian Catholic story. Samoan New Zealander, Josie Leota, has been chosen to be one of the MCs for the Saturday evening vigil. You can read more about her, and see her photo in this article. About 369 pilgrims from the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore are planning to attend the event. Here's a story on the Singapore pilgrims. Finally, a record number of Vietnamese plan to attend WYD. According to this article, 364 delegates will attend, including 70 bishops and priests, 50 religious, and 244 laypeople from the country's 26 dioceses. The Pacific "Face" of WYD 08 So Unicorn, are you going?
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rcesq	Jesus Statues in Sydney for Charity	#768	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 1645 07/06/08 01:22:36 Moderator	I've seen this type of fiberglass sculpture display for charitable purposes in various cities: Berlin had bears, Los Angeles had angels, Chicago had cows (slaughterhouses were one of the city's major industries), Washington D.C. had donkeys and elephants (symbols of the Democratic and Republican parties, for those who are not Americans). I'm not sure how I feel about the Jesus statues -- I guess it depends on what the artists do with His image. The photograph of one of the renderings suggests that they're not going to be exactly wonderful, although it could be worse, I suppose. ACCORDING to Catholic scripture, God is omnipresent. Sydneysiders will soon have the same impression, with 33 life-sized statues of Jesus Christ being erected in the city as part of an upcoming art exhibition. JESUSWALKS is being staged to coincide with World Youth Day and will see the fibreglass sculptures, each measuring just over 170cm, displayed at key points across Sydney, including Bondi Beach, Cockle Bay, The Domain and North Sydney The artistic designs have been created by more than 40 Australian artists who hail from a range of backgrounds - including "Catholics and non-Catholics and Christians and non-Christians of a variety of inclinations". Some, like Teho Ropeyarn, have drawn on history as the inspiration for their creations, decorating Jesus' traditional robes with colourful designs from the Torres Strait Island culture Teho Ropeyarn's statue, one of 33 life-size statues of Jesus Christ, that will be put across Sydney. Others have used a range of techniques, including print-making, graffiti and digital media, to translate their ideas on to the body of the Catholic saviour, who is depicted clothed, with arms outstretched. Director and curator Helena McCarthy said the exhibition aimed to "demonstrate the connections between young people as pilgrims, young people as artists and young people in need". The exhibition will be open for the duration of World Youth Day, which takes place in Sydney from July 15-20, and at the conclusion the pieces will be auctioned off, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated to Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets program. * * * Life-sized statues of Jesus Christ for World Youth Day
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rcesq	"From Gangland to the Promised Land" Featured at WYD	#769	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 1646 07/06/08 01:33:10 Moderator	(CNA).- A British former gang member will appear alongside Pope Benedict XVI during the World Youth Day evening vigil on July 19 to describe how God dramatically changed his life. John Pridmore, 44, was once an enforcer in the London underworld whose life involved stabbings, guns, major drug deals and vicious gangs. After he nearly killed a man in a 1991 fight outside a bar, his life changed radically. He has since become a public speaker, having addressed an estimated one million people in various parishes, schools and prisons. His book, "From Gangland to Promised Land," has become a best seller. . . . Former gang member to speak at World Youth Day
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rcesq	US Feed for WYD at Pope2008.com	#770	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 1650 07/07/08 00:26:49 Moderator	Can't Attend WYD... Watch it Here . . . [A]rangements have been made to provide a[n] . . .media browser (in the above video space) that will allow those who can't physically attend WYD to attend virtually. Make Pope2008.com your place to be and catch the Holy Father "Down Under." Not only will [Tim Drake] be providing blogging from as many of the venues as possible, but we'll also have ETWN's live video feed.
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#771	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5627 07/07/08 14:07:21	Pope still has pulling power over irreligious Aussies They may be one of the most irreligious mobs in the world, but Australians are preparing to greet Pope Benedict XVI by the tens of thousands next week. Travelling by helicopter and Popemobile after a three-day break at a private retreat run by Catholic organisation Opus Dei on the northwestern fringes of Sydney, the Pope will lead a massive week-long celebration of youth in the city. With more than 120,000 foreign "pilgrims" joining at least 100,000 Australians, World Youth Day will be the nation's biggest event. Among the crowds will be 4000 New Zealanders, including Clare Dooley, director of the Catholic Youth Ministry in Christchurch, who will be among a group of young people selected to join the Pope for lunch. And even with a new survey showing Australia as the fourth most godless nation on Earth after Russia, France, Germany and Britain, as many as 500,000 are expected to jam the Pope's closing Mass at Randwick, an icon of another great Australian religion - horse racing. "Christianity and Catholicism in Australia are not blossoming, but equally are not in danger of losing their core roots," foundation religious project leader Martin Rieger said. Pope still has pulling power over irreligious Aussies The head of the Roman Catholic church in Australia says he expects Pope Benedict to express regret for sexual abuse by church officials when he visits the country next week. Cardinal George Pell said the Pope spoke about the church's sex abuse scandal during a visit to the United States earlier this year and that he was likely to do something similar when he is in Sydney for the July 15-20 World Youth Day festival. "He handled it very well in the United States and I anticipate he'll do the same here," the Cardinal told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio. During a six-day visit to the United States in April, Benedict returned to the issue repeatedly in public comments and met with a group of abuse victims. He called the crisis a cause of "deep shame," pledged to keep paedophiles out of the priesthood and decried the "enormous pain" that communities have suffered from such "gravely immoral behaviour" by priests. He also said the problem had sometimes been "badly handled" by the church. Pope 'to address sex abuse issue'
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#772	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5631 07/08/08 16:39:23	Festival will bring gifts from God, say pilgrims Getty Images Sydney Morning Herald - Eight years ago Sister Maria Guadalupe was a Catholic pilgrim attending World Youth Day in Rome when she heeded John Paul II's call for the assembled youth to give their lives to the church. "I walked into the basilica where all the sisters were and stayed for Eucharist Adoration. I was discerning my vocation then and I was sitting there crying. "A sister came up to me and asked if she could help, and I said, 'No, it's all good tears for Jesus.' And she said: 'I'll be just a few rows back praying for you.' [I'm] now on the other side of that and I'm hoping to touch someone else who may be in the same position." Sister Maria is from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, an order from Michigan. She is one of 52 sisters from 12 orders from the US who are in Sydney for World Youth Day. Most arrived on Sunday, and while they have made the trip as pilgrims, many have offered to help with the archdiocese's liturgy office and in the distribution of Communion during World Youth Day events. But an undoubted highlight will be being in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI. Festival will bring gifts from God, say pilgrims Inside Pope's Bush Retreat Telegraph The Telegraph (Australia)- Surrounded by yellow and white roses and dining on "good Aussie tucker" - with Italian and German influences - Pope Benedict XVI will start his Australian experience in a bush retreat on the outskirts of Sydney. The Catholic leader, who arrives in Richmond on Sunday, will later travel to the Opus Dei-run Kenthurst Study Centre, in the city's northwest. On arrival at the facility, about an hour out of Sydney, he will enter a brick chapel foyer adorned only with a large portrait of himself. Set on 10ha of native bushland, the retreat will provide an ideal place for the 81-year-old church leader to contemplate the lead-up to World Youth Day, which runs from July 15 to 20 and will see crowds of up to 500,000 gather in the city. The Kenthurst centre normally hosts people on professional development courses or spiritual retreats but yesterday the staff were busy finalising preparations for their famous guest. Three live-in chefs will cook his meals, and a gardener will pluck fresh native flowers from the of surrounding bushland and place them in a vase beside his bed. White and yellow roses, the Vatican colours, will be put inside the chapel, which is tucked 100m away from the main house down a stone path among native Australian forest. The holy room, adorned with a photograph of the Pope, is where he is expected to perform mass for an hour each day. Through its stained glass windows, the Pontiff will see rosellas and honeyeaters suck nectar from banksia flowers. And from the balcony, he will find a natural haven with kangaroos, wallabies and frill-necked lizards foraging through the forest. While the main house was closed for security reasons yesterday, glimpses of the interior revealed a courtyard featuring a large fountain, a lounge room with plush floral sofas seated around a fireplace to warm him in the chilly Kenthurst evenings, and a patio where he can relax around hot pink camellia blooms. He and his entourage of 12 others, will eat their meals, from a German, Italian and Australian menu, in a communal dining room underneath a dark wood chandelier. "He will have a choice but he will get some good Aussie tucker, there will be some steaks on the menu," Opus Dei spokesman Richard Vella said. Inside Pope's Bush Retreat
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#773	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5635 07/08/08 17:07:24	The rather less positive news in the run-up to WYD Pell denies sex abuse cover-up AFP Getty Sydney Morning Herald - The most senior man in the Australian Catholic Church today denied he covered up the sexual abuse of a man in a 2003 letter. The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, also refused to resign, stand aside or order an investigation into the matter. Cardinal Pell dismissed Anthony Jones' allegations of rape by Father Terrence Goodall despite the findings of a church investigator that they were substantiated. "There was no cover up," he said. "The accusations against Father Goodall were investigated by the church and the police and Father Goodall was stood down. "Church authorities fully cooperated at every stage.'' "The letter to Mr Jones was badly worded and a mistake. I was attempting to inform him that there was no other allegation of rape and I overstated my agreement with Murray, who found all allegations sustained''. Mr Jones insists Cardinal Pell's second letter was also "dishonest" and about the priest's history of sexual abuse. Pell denies sex abuse cover-up Abuse victim: Pope apology pointless Church sex abuse row ahead of Pope's Sydney visit Pope to express regret in Australia Herald Tribune - Pope Benedict XVI will likely express regret for sexual abuse committed by Roman Catholic clergy when he visits Australia next week, the church's senior cleric in the country said Monday. Cardinal George Pell said the pope spoke about the church's sex abuse scandal during a visit to the United States earlier this year and he was likely to do something similar when he is in Sydney for the July 15-20 World Youth Day festival. "He handled it very well in the United States and I anticipate he'll do the same here," Pell told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio. Support groups for victims of church abuse in Australia - whose numbers are not known but who activists say are in the thousands - have demanded the pope make a full and open apology for clergy abuse and do more to compensate victims and prevent future abuse. "The apology is necessary but the apology must come with action," said Chris MacIsaac, a spokeswoman for Broken Rites, a support group for Australian victims of clergy abuse. Pope to express regret in Australia Legal manoeuvre causes strife for pope's World Youth Day visit Irish Times - Preparations for next week's World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney are proving chaotic in advance of Pope Benedict XVI's arrival. Road closures, a threatened train strike and a large shortfall in promised visitor numbers might be more tolerable if World Youth Day was really only a day, but it goes from Tuesday to Sunday. Most controversial of all is a temporary law brought in by the New South Wales state government which allows for fines of up to $5,500 (€3,335) for anyone causing "annoyance or inconvenience to participants in a World Youth Day event". Though this clause has been used previously in 15 other acts and regulations in New South Wales, the powers were mostly limited to single venues such as Sydney Football Stadium and did not have the scope of the World Youth Day regulations, which cover more than 600 sites including parks, roads, train stations and schools. The clause is widely seen as a sweeping new police power to protect World Youth Day participants from protesters such as the NoToPope Coalition. Legal manoeuvre causes strife for pope's World Youth Day visit Catholics join protests against Australian restrictions for Pope's visit Gays to protest at Pope's arrival Last Edited By: Benodette 07/08/08 17:10:01. Edited 1 time.
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#774	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5636 07/09/08 06:15:40	The Pope's Australian Retreat Here are more pictures of the Pope's retreat. It looks, as it is, rather institutional. What a pity they could not have found a big and comfortable villa set in secluded grounds, where the press had never been allowed to venture. I suppose the stipulation that the Pope must always stay in houses owned by the Church rather precludes this option. At least it prevents Catholics with lots of cash from fighting over the chance to host the Holy Father. The Pope will spend July 13-16 resting at the Opus Dei owned Catholic Kenthurst Study Centre, north-west of Sydney, which is set on 10 hectares of bushland, after arriving in Sydney for World Youth Day being held July 15-20. All images from AFP Getty
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#775	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5638 07/10/08 09:11:17	Memories of Papa Wojtyla in Australia. Dancing pontiff loses the script Sydney Morning Herald - Papal visits, like those of a secular ruler, are tightly scripted affairs, yet are remembered by many people for those rare moments when informality creeps in or the "script" is cast aside. Such a moment occurred during Pope John Paul II's Sydney welcome on November 25, 1986. It had been a long day, the pontiff had already visited Brisbane after flying from Canberra, and was looking rather tired. A youth pageant, with much singing and dancing, was nearing its end at the SCG. Two of the performers, standing close to the official party, approached the Pope and gently took his hands in theirs. Looking surprised but pleased, he rose to his feet and swayed with them in a little "dance". Was it really impromptu? Opinions differ. But it made a lovely headline - "Sydney welcomes the Dancing Pope" - and the two schoolgirls, Bridget Quirk and Maria Kenny, were overnight celebrities. I recall Maria Kenny, asked how the hand felt, replied: "Warm but sort of oldish-rough." Actually, the moment nearly went unreported. To avoid the traffic, buses carrying the huge media contingent back to the city had already departed. Yours truly and the Catholic Weekly reporter John Lundy were alone in the big press room. When I phoned the news editor he asked if I had been drinking. Happily, a Herald photographer, Bruce Miller, was also on hand. Sometimes "impromptu" occasions go distinctly wrong. In Brisbane, during a visit to the media centre, a man from the Lone Pine Sanctuary appeared from nowhere and thrust a koala into the Pope's hands. Aussie photographers, who knew what to expect, had their cameras poised. Not so the Pope's three personal photographers, on the staff of an old-established Vatican agency, who leapt in front of their man, flashguns popping, preventing others getting a good shot. From somewhere near the ceiling an Australian voice called out: "Your highness, look this way." Another, less polite: "Out of the way, you dago bastards!" Another mishap occurred during the Pope's visit to Alice Springs. One of the two imported Popemobiles - which the Mercedes people assured us never broke down - did just that within sight of the entrance to the venue where the welcome was to be held. The Pope, seeing the funny side of things, got out and started to walk. His driver, no doubt after a few urgent prayers, quickly fixed the problem and ran after his charge to bring him back. Dancing pontiff loses the script Sticky problem resolved at posh bunfight Last Edited By: Benodette 07/10/08 09:14:04. Edited 1 time.
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#776	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5639 07/10/08 09:23:13	Pope heading to World Youth Day aboard 'Shepherd One' WHEN Pope Benedict XVI's jet touches down at the RAAF Base in Sydney at 3pm on Sunday, plane spotters might be underwhelmed. Unlike the US President's gleaming airborne fortress Air Force One or heavy metal band Iron Maiden's tour jet Hair Force One, the pontiff's preferred mode of air travel is usually a nondescript commercial service chartered from Italian carrier, Alitalia. Although it's obviously short on aeronautic dazzle, air-traffic controllers sometimes try to spice up Papal travel plans up by referring his flight as Shepherd One. There's no military command centre or confessional booth on Shepherd One, no modular seude lounges or a communications hub, nor is there a special Papal cabin crew. Just regular Alitalia hosties. The only concession to the Pope's eminence is that he gets a seat in the front row. If these travel arrangements are a bit on the dull side, NEWS.com.au has uncovered some more interesting facts you may not know about the Benedict XVII: Pope heading to World Youth Day aboard 'Shepherd One' Pope Benedict "rock star" of World Youth Day in Sydney Reuters - Pope Benedict arrives in Sydney on Sunday as the headline "rock star" act in the Catholic Church's World Youth Day -- its version of Woodstock, five days of peace, love and Christianity. Already thousands of young Catholics, nuns and priests from around the world have converged on Sydney, which is treating the July 15-20 event as bigger than the Sydney 2000 Olympics. "We are looking forward to see what God has in mind for us," said American Wayne Bolduc, as groups of pilgrims, some wearing backpacks with pictures of Jesus, explored Sydney on Thursday. Organizers are expecting 500,000 pilgrims, but only half that have actually registered so far. Police have been given extra anti-protest powers so they can arrest anyone annoying pilgrims, some 300 roads have been closed and workers have been told to take holidays or avoid the city. Pope Benedict "rock star" of World Youth Day in Sydney
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#777	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5640 07/10/08 09:25:25	Australian Jews to meet pope in Sydney JTA - Five Australian Jewish leaders will meet Pope Benedict XVI when he visits Sydney next week. The meeting was announced amid continuing concerns about a planned re-enactment of the stations of the cross. Some 40 interfaith leaders -- including Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and others -- will meet the pope during his first Australian visit. Benedict is traveling to Sydney for World Youth Day, a July 15-20 celebration that is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of Catholics to the Harbor City. An estimated 500,000 people are expected to attend the closing papal mass on July 20. Jewish leaders are concerned about how Jews will be depicted in the July 18 re-enactment of the stations of the cross depicting the stages of Jesus' passion and death -- the same day they will meet the pope at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Catholic Church has rejected requests by Jewish officials to cancel the third scene -- Christ's condemnation by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court -- because they fear it could spark anti-Semitism. Australian Jews to meet pope in Sydney
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Benodette	World Youth Day 2008 - Sydney July 15-20	#778	[url]	[-]
Member Posts: 5642 07/11/08 10:24:48	Australia trip will test 81-year-old pope's stamina AP - Pope Benedict XVI departs Saturday on a 10-day trip to Australia, the longest pilgrimage of his papacy and a test of the 81-year-old pontiff's stamina. Tens of thousands of young pilgrims are awaiting him. Although aides say the pope is in fine health, the Vatican appeared to be taking no chances to ensure Benedict is fit for the church's World Youth Day festival. With little advance notice, it canceled Benedict's weekly public audience this past Wednesday as well as most other meetings to give him as much rest as possible. It even put on hold a much-awaited audience with Ingrid Betancourt, who was recently freed after more than six years as a hostage in the Colombian jungles and expressed a desire to see the pope. Upon the pope's arrival in Sydney after more than 20 hours of flying -- interrupted only by a 90-minute refueling stop -- he will spend three days resting in a Roman Catholic study center in Kenthurst, in the countryside outside Sydney. "He is not expected to leave the center," during that time said his spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi.... After he succeeded John Paul three years ago, Benedict said he doubted he would make many long trips. But invitations keep coming in from world leaders and officials of his global 1-billion member flock. The Vatican generally does not give out information about the pope's health, citing his privacy. Except for a light chronic cough, though, the pope appears healthy and has never skipped a planned event for health reasons. Benedict himself has said that being pope is "really tiring" and, in an interview with German television in 2006, said he does not feel strong enough to take many long trips. He visited Brazil last year, made a pilgrimage to the United States in April and will travel to France in September. "Those who live in Rome, in Italy or in Europe maybe can't appreciate the value of papal trips," Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras told the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire in an interview published Thursday. From elsewhere, he said, "only the rich can afford to come to Rome. So I say, only slightly joking, that papal trips are a kind of preferential option for the poor." Australia trip will test 81-year-old pope's stamina Sailing with the Pope Parkes Post - Parkes woman Denise Gersbach will be one of the select few who will have a chance to get 'up close' to the Pope when he is in Sydney for World Youth Day (WYD). Denise, 36, the Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Diocese WYD chairperson, has been invited to accompany the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on the Sydney 2000 as he sails into Sydney Harbour to Bangaroo on Thursday, July 17. The honour is a just reward for the countless hours of work behind the scenes in preparing for WYD and Denise is 'stoked.' 'I received the in