The International Military Pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2008, that included the first Days in the Military Diocese held in Canberra, saw the military pilgrims gather to share the power of the Holy Spirit with each other and with over 400,000 other pilgrims from around the world.

This was also Pope Benedict XVI's first apostolic jorney to Australia and, indeed, the military pilgrims embraced the presence of the successor of St Peter in their hearts. World Youth Day brought witness of Christ to the people of Australia and certainly to the members of the Australian Defence Force.

"Sometimes, in the secular workplace, it is difficult to express our faiths as Catholics in the military. So to be able to connect with and be free to explore my faith as a Catholic amongst others in the military has certainly strengthen my faith and sense of community within the Church. I am now so proud to be a Catholic serving in the Australian Defence Force."

"I was baptised as a Catholic, but before July 2008, I was not practising religion. Religion did not mean much to me then, so I never thought about going to World Youth Day. In hindsight, I regret not signing up for the military pilgrimage. However, I did watch the events on TV. It was amazing!!! Just seeing the Pope embrace Australia, seeing the happiness of the pilgrims, and hearing the great stories of the military pilgrims who have come back from World Youth Day, I am so inspired! I really want to be part of this new rejuvenated Catholic Church. I cannot wait until I go to World Youth Day in Madrid!"

"I had so much fun at World Youth Day! Our Catholic faith is actually 'cool'! However, although I had an amazing week of youth festivities and seeing the Pope, the highlight of my time at World Youth Day was indeed the fact that I received Holy Communion - the Body and Blood of Christ - from the Holy Father who is the successor of St Peter. At the end of the day, it was the fact that I was in 'communion' with 400,000 other people through Christ that was most important"

Click on the buttons on the left for more about the
International Military Pilgrim's World Youth Day related activities.

The Military Diocese of Australia would like to thank all the military pilgrims for their participation and for bringing the Holy Spirit to our program. We would also like to thank the Australian Defence Force - Joint Task Force 665, Catholic Church Insurrances Ltd. and all those who have contributed to making this great experience possible.