Day 9: Mass and Mourning

9:30 Mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral awakened fond memories of my Paris expedition to Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle, Sacre Coeur, and so many others in 2010. The space resonated the sounds of the pipe organ like no other, and God's presence was abundant and beautifully bold. This first experience attending Mass outside of America was one I will cherish. This church was out of the way and again involved exploring - both in finding it and returning to the central area of the city.

We happened across a large gathering on Bourke Street, where a 26 year old recently released on bail drove his car into a crowd of pedestrians, killing four (one a small child) and severely injuring dozens. The city has been in a state of shock, complete strangers gathering with tears and cries for the families involved, and Troy and I gathered with them to pray and show our condolences. We spoke with several women who seemed broken up, and how this sort of thing never happens in Australia. The lady I spoke with said they were a block away an hour before the incident, and her son wanted to return home instead of eating sushi at the intersection. It's surreal how precious and circumstantial this life can be. Witnessing the Australian people mourn this loss hits close to home. Australians are such a close-knit group of loving, compassionate people, and from every walk of life.

The camera was retired for the day, iPhone pictures will have to do. In a few hours our group will grill out together and soak up the Australian rays on yet another beautiful day in The World's Most Livable City.