Just the thought of writing about my travels thus far is making me tremendously sleepy... it's been quite a long haul!

Our arrival in Melbourne came around 1:30 PM local time on Thursday (for those keeping score, 11:30 PM on Wednesday back in Northern Ontario). Two things definitely came to mind, both related to the fact that this is an Australian winter... first of all... it's far more frigid than we've been used to of late (13 C high today, I think)... secondly, the sun sets early... which truly wreaked havoc on an already twisted sleep schedule!

What I've really and truly been struck by, though, is the generosity and respect with which all of the local hosts have been treating us - giving us an opportunity to dialogue and share our travel experiences. Everyone we've met has said hello and engaged us in conversation about us, where we're from, how long it took to get here... you name it (As a side note, it feels like every local we've met has at some time visited North America... which makes it a lot easier to communicate and find common ground!)

This can't be an easy task, since apparently there are about 20,000 pilgrims coming to Melbourne for Days in the Dioceses. So far we've encountered representation from several different countries; we flew in with a group from Poland, saw a group from Italy waving a Vatican flag in Melbourne airport, and have come across groups from Spain and the United States in the streets downtown (accompanied by lots of "Whoo!" cheers). And I'm sure we haven't seen the last of them, either....

"The more things change, the more they stay the same", as they say... even though we're separated by so much distance on this Earth we hold the common thread of communion in Christ. We celebrated Mass at 9:00 AM this morning with our host parish, St. Paul's in Sunshine West... and I assure you it's the same rite and ritual there as we celebrate back home.

If this isn't a great sign of the universality of the Church... what is?

I hope to share more reflections soon... all I can say is that despite the physical strain thus far, it's been a pleasure.

-- Jordan Stopciati

St. Patrick's Parish, Sudbury, ON