After lunch, we began to make our way as one Melbourne pilgrimage group to the Parque Eduardo VII for the Papal Welcome. It was an exciting experience as we again joined hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims from around the world, some singing and dancing, saying hello and waving national flags.
There were extraordinary moments as Pope Francis made his way to the main stage on the Popemobile passing by our pilgrims!
At the Papal Welcome, we listened to hymns and music by Portuguese singers. We listened to the Gospel; St Luke’s account of Jesus’ sending forth the seventy-two disciples. Pope Francis spoke, "There is room for everyone in the Church,” adding that Jesus expressed this clearly in the Gospels in parables where all are called: “the young and old, the healthy and the sick, the righteous and sinners: everyone, everyone, everyone, everyone!”
“Don’t be afraid, have courage, go forward knowing that we are loved…God loves us!”
We prayed prayers of the faithful, the Our Father and the Pope gave his final blessing. As we made our way back to the hotel, we continued to meet with other pilgrims, swapping our souvenirs, taking photos.
The night concluded with small group time as we reflected on Pope Francis' homily.
