Straining to get a glimpse: The Papal Motorcade.

The passage of the Papal motorcade through the streets of Sydney seemed to be perfectly timed with the exodus of office workers from their workplaces so they could all get a glimpse of the Pontiff. Office workers were advised to leave their offices early by organisers – maybe that was the little bit of encouragement that some Sydneysiders needed to get involved in a small way in WYD.

At one vantage point near the NSW State Library the crowds that packed the motorcade path were by far mostly non-pilgrims with only about one pilgrim to 50 office workers and general public, most ready with camera phones to capture the moment. At many places the crowds were five and six deep to see Benedict pass by in his Popemobile.

After the motorcade had passed, out came more mobile phones to make the excited calls and text messages ­ “Hey - I just saw the Pope!”

Other workers reported that  they were even able to see the Popemobile from their towering office blocks.

There are reports that the transport system is coping well with the influx of pilgrims, and if anything they are adding colour, excitement and even song to the normal city commute for the cities workers.

Organisers are hoping that by the power of the Holy Spirit, the public of Sydney will be forever touched by these little encounters with WYD, helping to lead to a New Springtime for the people of Sydney and Australia.

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