Seemingly, another successful national tour for Pope Benedict XVI. Home to Castel Gandolfo for a few days of R&R.
For those who would like to read any of the public remarks of the Holy Father and to catch up on some the of pictures of the event, click on to the Whispers in the Loggia Link to the left of this posting. Editor, Rocco Palmo, once again, has provided his readers with up-to-date accounting of the papal visit.
The Holy Father said: The principal actors on the stage over these last few days, of course, have been the young people themselves. World Youth Day is their day. It is they who have made this a global ecclesial event, a great celebration of youth and a great celebration of what it is to be the Church, the people of God throughout the world, united in faith and love and empowered by the Spirit to bear witness to the risen Christ to the ends of the earth.
What a way to bring to a conclusion another WYD that will not doubt result in much healing, a renewed interest both in vocations to priesthood and consecrated life as well as laity participation in the Church's future. Pope Benedict left the continent with "...And as I bid you farewell with deep gratitude in my heart, I say once again: May God bless the people of Australia!"
And, for sure, the Church universal should be saying, "God bless you, Holy Father."
Photo: Mark Baker, through Whispers in the Loggia
