It’s the news that has sparked joy and pride in hundreds of Catholics in the Hawkesbury – the Pope will land at Richmond RAAF base ahead of World Youth Day.
The itinerary of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Australia was released last Friday by the Vatican, and will see him touch down on Hawkesbury soil on Sunday, July 13.
He will then spend a few days resting at an undisclosed location before his official welcome into Sydney on Thursday, July 17.
St Monica’s Richmond parish priest Father Walter Fogarty said the news was very exciting for Hawkesbury’s Catholic residents.
“There were rumours floating around for a while that His Holiness would be flying into Richmond, but until it was officially announced we weren’t sure,” he said.
“We’re all very excited now it’s official.”
Father Fogarty said the Pope’s itinerary for the first few days of his stay hadn’t been disclosed to the public, so he couldn’t confirm or deny rumours that His Holiness would be spending his first night somewhere in the Hawkesbury.
“I suspect the location will not be made public given it will be a time for quiet reflection for the Pope before the beginning of WYD,” he said.
The Pope’s itinerary does, however, include all of the engagements that the Pope will attend, including official meetings with Governor-General Michael Jeffery; Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; NSW Governor Marie Bashir; and NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
Last week WYD08 organisers outlined several Papal encounters including a private lunch with 12 young people, a meeting with disadvantaged and at-risk youth and meetings with Christian leaders and the heads of other faith traditions.
The detailed itinerary also includes an official welcome at Government House in Sydney, a ‘thank you’ to volunteers in the Domain and an official farewell at Sydney airport.
Immediately before the final mass on Sunday, July 20, His Holiness will also do a fly-over in a helicopter above Centennial Park and Randwick Racecourse, before getting into the ‘Popemobile’ and circuiting the precinct.
Hundreds of international pilgrims are expected to stay in the Hawkesbury at churches during WYD, with St Monica’s already gearing up to welcome 250 young Catholics.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our friends from overseas,” Father Fogarty said.
“We are expecting a large contingent of Hawkesbury youths to attend WYD festivities, as well as many older Catholics who will attend the final day mass which is open to the general public.”