Benediction: The Vicar of Christ with Christ

After thousands of pilgrims walked for up to 10km to get to Sydney's Randwick Racecourse tonight at close to 7pm July 19, Pope Benedict XVI arrived by moto-cade to lead the pilgrims in the Evening Vigil. 

He arrived having included a last minute addition to his schedule - an en route visit to retired Cardinal Edward Bede Clancy, among others, at Mt St Joseph's Home in Randwick.

Cardinal Clancy was the seventh Archbishop of Sydney, serving from 1983 - 2001. 

During the vigil, when addressing 235,000 young pilgrims Pope Benedict XVI unravelled the mystery of the Holy Spirit - who he is, what he can do, and how we can use his gifts to transform our families, communities and nations.

THE VIGIL

The Vigil started with the Entry of Light onto the red coloured sanctuary on this chilly Sydney winter evening, which was soon to be lit by the thousands of pilgrims' candles - symbolising the pilgrims as children of Christ's light, the pontiff said.
 
With the Cross and Icon, Sedes Sapientiae, in place the Prayer Vigil featured Seven Testimonies of Pilgrims given in various languages that focussed on the seven gifts of the holy spirit: wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence and fear of the Lord.

These testimonies were interspersed by the chorus of the theme song, and a prayer of intercession by the pontiff invoking the WYD08 Patrons in turn.

Each pilgrim gave testimony to how they had experienced the Holy Spirit in their lives, each focussing on a different gift of the Holy Spirit.

Amongst the pilgrims' testimonies was one hearing impaired Sydney sider who gave witness to how she has grown in knowledge, through her deafness, while a German speaking pilgrim witnessed to the gift of piety.

Pontiff explains: How the Holy Spirit Works

During the WYD08 vigil, the Holy Father taught about the Holy Spirit, drawing on insights from St Augustine and referencing the Bible. He talked of how St Augustine in his search for faith, came to investigate its [the love of God] source in the life of the Triune God - the Holy Spirit.

"This [investigation] led him to three particular insights about the Holy Spirit as the bond of unity within the Blessed Trinity; unity as communion, unity as abiding love, and unity as giving and gift," explains Pope Benedict XVI of St Augustine's insights.

The pontiff then explained that St Augustine  "noted that the two words "Holy" and "Spirit" refer to what is divine about God;  in other words what is shared by the Father and the Son - their communion."

The Evening Vigil also included exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, giving pilgrims a chance to be present with Christ, and the Vicar of Christ in unity, in Sydney at once.

In reference to the reverent silence amongst the pilgrims, Matthew Twyford, 22, said "You could here a pin drop."

The 24 pilgrims who will make their confirmation were also introduced.

In closing, the pontiff called all those present to witness their faith in all that they do.

Pontiff's prayer: the Descent of the Holy Spirit

"Let us invoke the Holy Spirit: he is the artisan of God's works," he began in finishing.

"Let his gifts shape you! Just as the Church travels the same journey with all humanity, so too you are called to exercise the Spirit's gifts amidst the ups and downs of your daily life.

"Let your faith mature through your studies, work, sport, music and art.

"Let it be sustained by prayer and nurtured by the sacraments, and thus be a source of inspiration and help to those around you.

"In the end, life is not about accumulation. It is much more than success," the 81 year old pontiff continued.

"To be truly alive is to be transformed from within, open to the energy of God's love. In accepting the power of the Holy Spirit you too can transform your families, communities, and nations. Set free the gifts! Let wisdom, courage, awe and reverence be the marks of greatness!"

Following the close of the evening vigil, pilgrims had the opportunity to visit the blessed sacrament who was exposed in tents around the precinct, and were encouraged to go to confession by simply asking any priest.

This was followed by an international rosary prayed in several languages which closed with the Salve Regina.

Pope Benedict XVI will fly-over the precinct tomorrow, July 20, ahead of celebrating the Final Mass at 10am and announcing the location of the next WYD.

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