DAVID and Susan Ryan had no plans to attend World Youth Day but found themselves hastily packing a suitcase after witnessing Pope Benedict’s arrival in Sydney via the television.
“We hadn’t intended to go because we aren’t youth anymore,” the father of four said.
“But I found myself not going to work as much that week … or coming home early to watch what was happening on the telly.”
Having hosted four Americans during BrizStay, the couple just couldn’t get enough of World Youth Day excitement.
“We had four pilgrims stay with us and it was amazing, learning about their culture,” David said.
“It was sad when we had to say goodbye … we thought we were missing something.
“Susan and I were sitting watching the Pope’s arrival and we just looked at each other and thought we had to be there.
“I rang my sister and asked her to have all our kids.”
Rebecca, 13, Michael, 12, Sarah, 11, and Jessica, 5, farewelled Mum and Dad for the weekend, Susan saying they were “a little bit young” to go.
Without any accommodation plans in Sydney, the blessings continued.
“We got on a train and got talking to some homestay co-ordinators,” Susan said.
“They said, ‘Come stay with us’ … They were a beautiful family, with others staying there … like a nun from Brazil.
“We couldn’t understand each other but it was fantastic.”
The Ryans continued to be in fortuitous situations not only meeting up by chance with their own BrizStay pilgrims but also the larger group who had been hosted in their parish of Oxenford on the Gold Coast.
“We were lucky enough to stumble across our pilgrims in the city (of Sydney),” David said.
“Two on the first day (in Sydney) … and the next morning at Central station, we were sitting and having a coffee, our legs were worn out … but we thought ‘No, we have to go across the (Harbour) bridge’, and a whole group from San Bernadeno who stayed with us jumped on the train and we walked across with them.”
Susan was pleasantly surprised by yet another encounter.
“When we went to Reconciliation we both got priests from Brisbane,” she said.
“Imagine that? Priests from all over the world and our two were from Brisbane.”
Saying “Benediction with the Pope” was the trip’s “highlight”, the Ryans continued to beam about World Youth Day.
“On the Friday night we sat in the middle of George Street in the city and feeling the joy in a city where no one ever wants to talk to you was such a good feeling,” David said.
“We weren’t very prepared and had to carry a suitcase everywhere … but people wanted to help, especially our pilgrims because they were so thankful that we’d looked after them,” Susan said.
Certain to be “more prepared” for future such experiences, the couple agreed their next pilgrimage would require some planning.
“We’re going to take the kids to Spain,” Susan said.
– Selina Harris
