Pilgrims Walk to the Evening Vigil

Two young pilgrims who away from World Youth Day work in the same office, walked over the Harbour Bridge as part of the WYD08 'Pilgrimage Walk' en route to Southern Cross Precinct.

Matthew Morgan, 26, and Richard Cuda, 24, walked along with thousands of other young people through the streets of Sydney, singing in different languages.

Both of these young pilgrims had been on previous WYDs, and agreed that today was "just as electric" if not better.

"In Rome was 39 degrees, it was chockers, you had about a foot in front of you, a foot behind you ... everyone was singing."

Meanwhile, Richard was impressed with the way the iconic elements of the city have been encapsulated and embraced during and for WYD celebrations.

"I went to Toronto and Cologne, they were good but just in terms of the importance of the monuments that have been dedicated. For example, the closing of the Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour. It shows how it important it is to the city. The one in Cologne, was down near an airport. So in that way, it's been good," he said.

Admittedly, the 9km journey on foot with a backpack did take a bit of getting used to. "I was whingeing and complaining a bit at the start about my backpack, and then he [Matthew] said, 'Yeah well, it's better than a cross.' So he made a good point, and I haven't whinged about it since," he said, speaking about his change of heart.

"So 9.2 km with a backpack isn't going to be that bad," Mr Cuda said knowing that it will be worth it.

"You're exhausted by the end of the week, but you've just got to go where the people are going."

It's no wonder the pilgrimage was so hard Cuda has come completely prepared both in spirit and for body - in readiness for the 'Sleep-out under the Stars.'

"I'm pretty prepared. I've got a sub zero sleeping bag, long johns, tracksuit pants, tracksuit top, beannie, scarves, and possum-down socks."

The only thing he doesn't have are rosary beads for the Pope to bless tomorrow:

"The Merchandise stores are sold out of rosary beads!" he says.