Sr Rosemary Rese (Little Sisters of the Poor) from Baltimore, is in Sydney for the month accompanied by two sisters from Washington, Detroit and two lay people from Baltimore and Mobile (Alabama).

The Little Sisters of the Poor are very busy during WYD she reports:  "We have close to 150 pilgrims from various countries with the majority coming from France."

The sisters, in full habit, will be at the Vocations Expo for anyone interested in the vocation of 'caring for the elderly poor' with the inspiration of the foundress, Bl. Jeanne Jugan (Britany, France).

"Sisters live on site [in a hospice in Randwick]. We care for the elderly til they die" she says.

"Like Mother Theresa's sisters take a vow of 'whole hearted service of the poorest of the poor,' and Little Sisters of the Poor  take a fourth vow of hospitality," says Sr Rosemary Rese.

There is a novitiate over in Randwick, where seven young women are studying to be Little Sisters of the Poor. 

"It just goes to show, being a religious is still a viable option for young women today," she says.

In the spirit of true hospitality, she invites us over anytime - "Come and see our happiness." And if you can't get to Randwick, head to the Vocations Expo. She has just left the Media Centre to go and set it up now.. 

She with others will also be at the Love and Life Site at the University of Notre Dame. 

Why do the Little Sisters of Poor wear their habit? 

"We wear a habit becuase it was the poor person's way of dress, when we were founded, and we maintain it because it is an outward sign of consecration to the poor," she says. 

For more info on the Little Sisters of the Poor-  visit: http://wyd08.lsp.googlepages.com/

Volunteers are welcome to visit and/or give help in Randwick. 

Cardinal Pell mentioned that at the Pope's lodgings for the next days there is a tennis court available - but isn't sure if he will be getting in a round before he leaves. 

On today's agenda is lunch with Cardinal Pell and Bishop Fisher.

In todays press conference Cardinal Pell and Bishop Fisher looked extremely upbeat and positive.

Fresh from greeting the Pope upon his arrival, Cardinal Pell was asked this morning by a journalist about how those receiving communion directly from the Pope would do so, when the time came, at the Final Mass during WYD08.

Following on from recent sightings at Vatican events where 'older postures' - kneeling to take Holy communion on the tongue - have been adopted, his Eminence replied,

"I think those receiving holy communion will be kneeling."

Pope Benedict XVI is now in Sydney, touching down in his Alitalia jetknown as "Shepherd One", at Richmond Airforce Base at 3pm Sunday.

Pope Benedict XVI landed to little fanfare at Richmond RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) base, and was met only by politicians and Church officials including Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Pell, WYD08 Coordinator, Bishop Fisher OP, and Monsignor Josef Clemens as well as other Australian bishops. 

Meanwhile, at St Peter's Surry Hills, the 'Hallelujah' chorus heralded the papal arrival to an audience of over one hundred. The Sisters of Charity filled the pews in their white and blue habits, enjoying the choral strains alongside other pilgrims.

One pilgrim originally from Bavaria, but a Swiss resident who arrived last week for WYD was impressed by the sound. 

"What I think is impressive, is that they have set up the Orchestra for this performance to coincide with the Papal Arrival - I have seen the same concert in Germany, and I know how much work goes into it," says Philipp Wilhelm.  

The Pope has now gone off to a retreat centre in Sydney's north west to get over his jet lag in preparation for his official duties which begin on Thursday, where he will be greeted by over a hundred thousand cheering pilgrims on the shores of Sydney Harbour.