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. 

5.55 It's getting cold now as the sun has disappeared

Cardinal Pell moves to the altar to prepare for the Sacrifice of the Mass. Seven candles line the altar - a revived tradition of Benedict XVI's papacy. 

In preparation for the Eucharist, he is using Cardinal Moran's ewer (jug) and basin (for washing the His Eminence's hands). 

The GLORIA - choir & orchestra

"Holy is the Lord God of Hosts. Heaven & earth are full of your Glory! (x2) Hosanna in the Highest" 

"Sanctus Dominus Deus, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts."

The Sacrifice of the Mass - the Cardinals hold their right hand out, in concelebration.

The Precious Blood will be consecrated in a chalice of Archbishop Ullathorne. (Ullathorne cared for the Catholics of Sydney after Fr John Therry, and before the appointment of Bishop Polding as the first bishop.)

One pilgrim genuflects, many remain standing in their faith, in reverence.

The choir sing  "Christ will come again."

More prayers, and finally:

"Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all power and honour is yours almighty Father, forever and ever," 

AMEN - the choir resound.

The Our Father is in Latin, unifying the pilgrims in the language of the Church. 

"Pater noster, qui es in coelis..."

6.02pm the flags have begun to float softly in the breeze coming off the harbour.

Nations embrace each other at the Sign of Peace. 

"Miserere Nobis, Lamb of God you take away the Sins of the World," the choir lead the congregation in the specially commissioned WYD Mass setting by Justice George Palmer. 

Cardinal Pell:

"This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, happy are those who are called to his supper."

Response: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the Word and I shall be healed," we says. 

As the pilgrims prepare to receive Holy Communion, Irish singer and former politician and Ireland's first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970, Dana Scallon, leads the congregation and choir in hymn, "We are one body."

6:11pm PIlgrims receive communion at the Opening Mass, united in One Catholic Faith through the Mass.

As the pilgrims receive communion, there is a stillness and peace that permeates from the clear night sky above.

To be continued ....

Image courtesy of WYD 2008 ACN 118060987 as Trustee for the World Youth Day 2008 Trust ABN 74 422 698 032