Last week’s World Youth Day was not only about prayer, singing and attending Mass. When the formalities were over the pilgrims entertained themselves any way they could. Here, a group of monks was kicking a small ball around.
This sight of a Rosary and a cigarette comes courtesy of one of the pilgrims attending the World Youth Day in Sydney. Is this the Holy smoke?
This group of protesters tried hard to make themselves noticeable amongst the pilgrims in the Hyde Park. Their message? “We have nothing against Catholics… There is no God… it is not a sin to be gay… it is not against religion to use condom”.
Media reported later on there were heated exchanges between the protesters and World Youth Day attendees. Yes, some people took offence and exchanged words with the protesters. However, what was not reported or shown on TV was the fact the young pilgrims turned their backs on the protesters and simply walked away, ignoring them completely. After brief moment even media moved on.
Although the celebrations of the World Youth Day Sydney 2008 do not commence until tomorrow, there were considerable numbers of pilgrims roaming through Sydney today. Most of them came for a parade of the cross and icon along the Pitt Street.
Security was not necessary but as you can see from this photograph of a group of police officers the precautions were taken - just in case. Most people in Sydney went about their daily business. Let’s hope the remaining days of this event are as peaceful and that police won’t have to use the special powers granted to them by the state government.
Today was rather a cold day in Sydney. Not only we had partial clouds but the wind was quite chilling. This young woman was having a conversation on a mobile phone with someone. She kept moving around to stay in a warm, sunny spot.
Sometimes you just have to get out of bed early to be welcomed to the new day by a mesmerising sunrise like this one. It sets a good mood for the rest of the day.
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