Day 3 - Birthday Blessings and More

This morning we were up early again for a big Sunday-style breakfast with the Sukkars. Robert stayed home from work a bit to meet and eat with us too. Because the whole family was there, Leste and I skipped most of Catechesis to spend time with them and just got to St. Joseph's in time for the Mass.


(Above: THE backpack) The bishop this time was from Ireland, and his homily was excellent. His topics included love as well as the meaning of vocation, both favorite topics of mine as many of you probably know. Interestingly, he criticized the modern emphasis on living your dreams and doing what you most desire in life. Instead he summed up what our attitude should be with a quote. He said that you should pray every day to "accept surprises that upset your plans. Shatter your dreams. Give a completely new turn to your day; perhaps your life." Let God into your life; make Him your dream and goal. Rely on Him and you will never be disappointed.

After we wandered over to the parish hall for lunch, which consisted of a 3 oz. can of tuna (either mixed with sweet corn or spices), a white roll, and a candy bar. This was to be our usual fare for the next several days. Volunteers handed out the lunches in packs of six, so Leste and I ate with two sisters from Indiana, Katerina and Theresa, a girl named Pam from Malaysia, and a guy named Tony from Singapore. Tony and I ended up talking about the differences between Singapore and America, and he gave a hilarious account of how we drive on the "wrong side of the road" in the U.S. Oh, and I found out what THE QUESTION is, a question that I would get many times throughout the next two weeks: are you a Democrat or a Republican? (You would think my answer would be obvious; I am and always will be a proud one-issue voter.) Janice asked someone from Canada why this mattered to foreigners when she was asked THE QUESTION, and his classic response was "Because you are a freakin' superpower, man!"

(Above: Joe, with the bandanna on his head) This time we tagged along with the parish group and the Act1v8 Team to go downtown for the Papal Arrival. The Sukkars joined us as well. Christina proudly strutted her stuff as an "American cowgirl" in a pair of black snowboots and a WYD bandanna wrapped around her neck. So cute! Some pilgrims from Sudan on the train found out it was my birthday (from Christina) and gave me a wooden bracelet as a gift. During the ride I got into conversation with Joe, who is an incredible inspiring guy. He sees his career as a way to support his family and give him time to work on his true vocation, helping the Church in any and all capacities. Awesome.

(Above: Alma and Christina rest at the Domain) We all headed to the Domain at Hyde Park to watch the Papal Arrival. The Domain is basically a big grassy field, with a big stage and giant screens. We watched the Pope's Boat-a-cade arrive in Sydney Harbor on television, as well as the welcome ceremony at Barangaroo. As soon as it was over and the motorcade started, Leste and I ran up to the fence lining the street, stationing ourselves across from some boisterous French pilgrims. They kept calling us Spanish because *one* person had a Spanish flag hanging over the fence!



(Above: (1) the boisterous French and (2) Circular Quay) About twenty minutes later, the Holy Father drove by, only 1.5m away from us! It was overwhelming and, as happened when he visited CUA and the Basilica in April, I found myself even unable to scream with joy. Every time I see him I am utterly speechless and can just extend my hands to him.

Celeste led me, armed with the map and trooping past hundreds of Cardinals on their way to the trains, to the location of my surprise birthday dinner in the Rocks at the Phillips Foote restaurant. Famously, at this place you choose your meat and get to grill it yourself on one of the huge barbies scattered amongst the tables. We waited outside for my cousins to meet us, and got hundreds of high-fives from the pilgrims (mostly guys, admittedly - my sister is a magnet) passing by on their way home. This prompted Celeste's classic comment: "Gee, I had no idea there were so many good-looking Catholics in the world!"

We had dinner together when the cousins arrived, and afterwards celebrated with more high-fiving through the subway tunnels. Next stop: The Street Party with the Sisters of Life! Scythian and Catholic Underground provided the music, and at the end of the party, Sr. Mary Gabriel (plotting with Celeste) led everyone in singing Happy Birthday to me. How much better can you get?

Finally, after hugging Sister goodbye, Leste and I headed back to Belmore. On the train, I was again asked THE QUESTION, and we went promptly to bed when we got back to the house. After chatting late into the night, of course.