In July 2008, Australia was the focus of attention as the youth of the world came to celebrate World Youth Day with Pope Benedict Benedict XVI in Sydney. It was inspiring to watch the events of the week unfold and to see the faith of so many young people being displayed openly and lovingly. As we have two houses in Victoria -- Melbourne and Ballarat -- we were delighted to have a number of our Sisters participate in the events in Sydney. Twelve Sisters came from around Australia while five Sisters, representing each of the other five regions, made their way first to Melbourne and then to Sydney.

There was good television coverage so those of us at home could join in at a distance. We watched a replay of the Pope's arrival and welcome at Barangaroo, the site of the Opening Mass on the Tuesday. During his address, Pope Benedict said:

'Our hearts and minds are yearning for a vision of life where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom find meaning in truth and where identity is found in respectful communion.'

To me, those words speak as powerfully to us as they did to those present in Sydney. This is what we are striving for today. We may not all be the age of many of the participants at World Youth Day but this vision of life the Pope speaks of the core of our striving each day. We want enduring love, identity, unity, mutual respect and the sharing of gifts as we seek after the freedom truth will bring us. Sometimes that truth many not be what we expect, sometimes it may be challenging but, as the Gospel says, it will set us fee.

Whenever we saw anything about World Youth Day there was constant reference to the word 'pilgrims.' Our minds turned to another 'pilgrim whose birthday we celebrate on 21 July, so close to the time of the celebrations in Sydney. According to the Encarta dictionary, a pilgrim is someone who goes on a journey to a holy place for religious reasons or someone who makes a special journey. Victoire Larmenier, our foundress, made that special journey in 1851 when she came to England. We praise god for the gift of her life and for the special charism she has given us. We thank God that, 181 years ago, Victoire was born. We celebrate the goodness of God to us just as the pilgrims in Sydney celebrated the joy of their faith!

These words remind us of Victoire. They are our challenge too.

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart! Confucius

Sister Mary Anne Monaghan, Superior General
Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth
London, England