It’s been 90 years from the end of the World War I.
This photographs was taken at Martin Place Cenotaph where the commemorative ceremony just concluded and people to whom the day had a deeper meaning gathered near the monument paying their respects.
I wonder how many days of absolute peace did the World have in these past 90 years.
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.
River of pilgrims from all over the world is flowing along almost every Sydney street towards Barangaroo for Cardinal Pell’s opening Mass. Media is reporting the expected number of pilgrims at 140,000 accompanied by clergy:26 cardinals, 400 bishops and up to 4000 priests. With numbers like that the Mass will be the biggest Catholic Mass ever held in Australia.
Sydney has turned on a beautiful, summer like day for the attendees, so there should be no surprise most of the young people really enjoy their stay here. Lots of laughs, singing and flag waving no matter where you look.
The crowd behaviour is so far exemplary and there are no protesters in sight. Security was limited to a small numbers of police walking along with pilgrims. This however many change, as Federal Court has today removed the highly controversial “annoyance” clause form the World Youth Day Act. It “affects freedom of speech in a way that, in our opinion, is not supported by the statutory powers” in accordance to Federal Court judges.
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.
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