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MANILA, Philippines—Rapturous applause echoed across Sydney’s Royal Randwick racecourse—the venue of the historic World Youth Day Final Mass. Earlier, half a million people who had spent the night sleeping under the stars cried, “Viva il Papa!” as the Popemobile completed a round in the venue, passing up and down through the rows of the faithful.

It was an experience like nothing Sydneysiders have seen before. Through a weeklong celebration, hordes of singing young people spanned every inch of the city, and the town virtually closed down to accommodate pilgrims from more than 171 nations for the largest youth event in the world.

Aside from festival events like concerts and street performances, the whole week was packed with opportunities for young people to learn about their faith.

Tuesday was the opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell. A highlight was the arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon.

Much like how the Olympic torch travels the world calling athletes together for the Olympics, the WYD Cross and Icon have been journeying the world, reaching out to unite young people all over the world.

On Thursday, the pilgrims lined the foreshores of Sydney Harbour to welcome the Pope. He traveled along the southern side of Sydney Harbour on a cruise vessel, allowing pilgrims to welcome him from both spectator craft and harbourside vantage points. Whether one was from Mexico or Brunei, the pilgrims all had one simple goal in mind—to see the Pope with their own eyes.

On Friday, the Stations of the Cross were staged at sites throughout the city of Sydney.

On Saturday was a celebration of faith in a community on the move—the Pilgrimage Walk to the racecourse for the evening vigil. The next day was the WYD Final Mass, which was seen by more than a billion viewers from around the world. It was awesomely moving to see so many fellow young people embracing their beliefs so openly.

In the meantime, as the orange WYD backpacks are stored inside closets, and the lawn of the Randwick racecourse is on its way to be completely re-laid, may the parting words of the Pope remain etched in the minds of everyone who witnessed one big celebration of goodwill.

“What legacy will you leave to young people to come? What difference will you make?” he asked, urging all to find inner richness in a material world, to “draw upon faith’s rich vision.”