Tales from Wednesday's Papal audience

Margie and Yvonne were the advance guard to reserve the seat for the group, leaving the hotel at 7.15am – thank you girls – you are all wonderful. I had a tiny sleep in.  Margie said that no-one had told her waterproof mascara was a must for the Papal Audience. It was a truly emotional experience.

 Bishop Mark gave a book to His Holiness from ACU, In the Land of Larks and Heroes: Australian Reflections on St Mary MacKillop. He mentioned he was here with the pilgrims from Canberra and Goulburn. The Pope then asked him to extend to the pilgrims and their families his personal greetings and the Apostolic Blessing. What a gift!

We went to the Irish College – Pontificio Collegio Irlandese – which, as the book says, you can recognise by the two palms trees flanking the iron gates of the entrance. This is where Mary MacKillop found great assistance from Monsignor Tobias Kirby, who offered her spiritual direction and assistance in obtaining access to the Pope. It was a deeply significant place in the formation of the Rule of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Archbishop Mark celebrated Mass in the chapel with the only Australian student there at the moment, Paul from Perth. Many of our Australian bishops have studied at the college over many years. It is greatly important in our Australian Church history. The chapel had the most magnificent mosaics gracing the walls, as you can see from the photos.

Then dinner was enjoyed at a restaurant well known to the Archbishop, off the Piazza Navona. It was a delightful experience of real Roman cuisine.

After Papal Audience: Thomas, Michael, Bishop Mark, Nev, Herbie, Heidi, Charlotte, Courtney, Caitlin & Toots.