Howdy all back in the States! Writing here from Rotorua, New Zealand. From Friday to Sunday, the final days of WYD were very intense and we are still slowly unwinding from the incredible experience of the Stations of the Cross, Pilgrimage Walk, camp-out, and Final Mass with Pope Benedict. We had incredible seats for the Stations, sitting mere feet from the site of the crucifixion as the sun slowly set in the background over the harbor. Again, on Saturday we found ourselves in section F1 for the Final Mass (1 being the closest number to the altar). None of the guys at previous WYD's had been even slightly as close. As the night slowly chilled, we had a Prayer Service with the Pope and then Adoration with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Words can't describe the silent beauty of the night. Looking around in the candlelight at thousands of kneeling pilgrims, we were humbled by the immensity of our journey from Texas. Mr. Hough's high school friend, now also a priest, visited our site later for Reconciliation which many Jesuit guys took advantage. The evening was also marked by music and socializing with our camp neighbors, St. Ignatius Riverview, with singing contests and school cheers.
The Final Mass with Pope Benedict XVI was amazing. We are collecting our thoughts from this great event and will write more in detail later. We have found a nearby internet place here in NZ and will be able to utilize it easier than our living quarters in Sydney. Just about to enjoy a Maori feast after a day of rafting and sheep shearing. Our thoughts go out to our families back in the States--We miss you!!
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