An ‘Empire v Convicts’ type ‘Papal Plate’ debating final at Sydney University has been set up after last night’s semi-final rounds were played out – pilgrims v. pilgrims.

4:30 pm The sun is slowly setting behind Balmain as the opening Mass for WYD  gets underway.

The Barangaroo precinct appears to be completely full, with reports that some pilgrims are unable to get inside.

5:00 pm The sun has just set and already the temperature is heading south with a chill in the air as the Mass' readings are read in various languages.

 As I enter Barangaroo, and start moving among the crowds, colours, young people and flags fill the vast space. 

Their cheering and waving reflect the warmth of the setting sun, as they wait in anticipation. 

"Bene, molto bene, benissimo" says Giovanni Nicoló, 40 and Giovanni Di Silvestre, 35, who have both come from Roma to celebrate the WYD with 11,000 Italians. 

Testimonies of previous WYDs from young Mark Schembri and Beth MacNamara recount the power of WYD. 

"I hadn't been to confession in a long time," Beth says speaking about her pilgrimage to WYD in Toronto in 2002. 

"And I went and the priest says, Jesus doesn't care what you've done, he just wants to give you a big hug. The tears were coming down," she continues, remembering how moved she was by the occasion. 

Swaying flags, waiting pilgrims, priests lined in white with swaying red stoles ready to hear confessions line the barricades waiting for the arrival of His Eminence, George Cardinal Pell to open the Mass. 

"Some say there is no place for Faith. I say they are wrong," Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd says, opening proceedings, proud to be hosting WYD. 

"Some say Faith is the enemy of reason. I say they are wrong," he continues. 

The Cardinal opens welcoming the German speaking pilgrims, Spanish speaking, French speaking and Italian speaking. Confidently his voice booms across Barangaroo, welcoming thousands pilgrims from the "ends of the earth."

"And finally all the English speaking pilgrims of the world, from near and far. To the Irish and English speaking pilgrims whose ancestors first planted the faith on this continent. 

He continues and welcomes the Americans and our neighbours from the Pacific, and all the islands. 

"All our friends from Asia we are honoured to have you in such numbers," Cardinal Pell continues. 

The first reading from the book of the prophet Ezekial is in Spanish, and then repeated in English. 

5.10pm, a winter breeze moves among the crowd, while the responsorial is sung, and the sun is now lowered beyond the horizon. 

There is still twilight around the scene, as the Mass proceeds in this "Great Southern Land of the Holy Spirit."

To be continued...

Image courtesy of Bridget Spinks 

After Cardinal Pell's homily, we move to the Prayers of the Faithful offered in English, German, Sudanese, Polish, Vietnamese and Arabic. 

This is followed by the Offertory Procession, as to the tune of "Come O Holy Spirit" - the WYD Song of Denver in 1993.