For my fourth World Youth Day celebration I was delighted to find out that we were able to participate in the Days in the Diocese here in Melbourne Australia. I was not sure what to expect but the excitment of it all allowed me to make it through the 47 hours of traveling.

Driving through the streets of Melbourne to our host parish I had an eerie feeling: a feeling of comfort, of peace and tranquillity. Australia is a lot like Canada. I feel at home. We were welcomed with open arms by our host families, a comfortable bed, a delicious hot meal and the best... a shower.

Some may chalk it up as experience, but the ease of our pilgrimage thus far has been simply a blessing. It is wonderful foreshaddowing for what the next two weeks hold for us.

As we venture here in Australia, learning about other cultures and sharing our love for God with thousands of other pilgrims from around the world, we will continue to pray for all of you back in Canada.

natalie albert

Our Lady of Fatima Parish,

Elliot Lake