The very strange concept of an 80 year old celibate as a role model for co ed youth. I don’t think so. Rediculous, irresponsible. The old machine completely copping out on women priests and marriage of priests and importance of contraception.

And gouging the public purse to pull the whole thing off. I saw a copper on guard duty in the middle of Macquarie St - bored stiff I would say - and the CBD was pretty much dead for the retail sector. But the religous folks were so sure the city belonged to them. And they were right. Randwick racecourse looked a bit patchy in the double page spreads. Were there more marchers against the Iraq war in Feb 2003? Close run thing I would say. Hype came first, daylight second.

And not a financial declaration of conflict of interest from the commercial meeja sponsors. Tsk tsk. Today cycling down Sussex St at the lights a bloke takes a dig at two of the visitors “The Pope’s gone now and you should too!” Ouch. How many others agree I wonder.

Also, for as much as $42M chucked at Randwick, surely we should expect a permanent shrine there, so that real pilgrims can continue to make pilgrimages, for ever and a day? The taxpayer handout was said to be based on future as well as present revenue. Has anybody heard from any hotels, clubs and restaurants who might be overjoyed with pilgrims chucking heaps of cash about?

How about that refund Cardinal Pell?

The concerts in the city also included the Salvation Army band, Hillsong performers and participation from non catholic religions. A true religion recognises the goodness that comes from other denominations. Hence the church’s steps towards interfaith dialogue. Even a Muslim school hosted Catholics in it’s hall - part of the spirit of unity. This event even worldwide also invites non Catholics, hence I have met people celebrating at the final mass that were not part of any religion but wanted to participate, drawn by the enthusiasm of young people - something not often seen.

It is sad that instead of finding joy and hope that young people are able to be happy without drugs and alcohol, you need to criticise, I suppose you would be celebrating if young people were depressed and had no hope in life. I am just happy for these youth, that they have inspiration in life. That no matter how what people say or write or criticise, no one can take away that experience in their hearts.

Of course many of the events were for pilgrims (a good number of whom were residents of Sydney) but through their registration they had also paid for the event - I don’t get into the Sydney Cricket Ground without a ticket! The government’s contributions are very appreciated but the resultant tourism input to Australia must be great - and the vistors to Australia were wonderful to have.

There were many ways that the people of Sydney could have been part of this event. The joy found everywhere from the Opera House to Darling Harbour was like four News Eves in a row - without the drunks. As it turned out, anyone could have turned up at North Sydney last Saturday and walked across the bridge to Darling Harbour. Concerts every night at the Opera House forecourt, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour were open to the general public. Finally, how many Sydneysiders mixed in with a group of pilgrims and were waved on to trains and buses for free.

Two more points: As a 52 year old “Young at Heart” leader of a group, I found the non-participating residents of Sydney very helpful, courteous and good-natured especially when my group was travelling on buses and trains, sometimes loaded up with bags and banners. Finally when are you ever going to see the whole of Sydney wandering around again with bright orange backpacks!