"Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS; they shall be called the CHILDREN of GOD" (Matthew 5:9)

CANBERRA - DAYS IN THE MILITARY DIOCESE and the International Military Contingent's pilgrimage to World Youth Day started on Wednesday 9 July 2008, when military pilgrims arrived in Canberra. Once registrations and accreditation were completed at the Australian Defence Force Academy, the military pilgrims were officially welcomed by Bishop Max Davis, Catholic Bishop of the Australian Defence Force, at a dinner at their Eagle Hawk accommodation site.

On Thursday 10 July 2008, Bishop Max Davis officially started 'Days in the Military Diocese' with an Opening Mass at the Royal Military College of Australia's chapel. During the Mass, Lance-Corporal Larn Kelly from Robertson Barracks Darwin, received the Sacrament of Confirmation as Bishop Davis called upon the fire of Holy Spirit to descend upon all the gathered pilgrims. The military pilgrims were then challenged by significant speakers and presenters about their faith as Catholics in the special vocation of serving our nations. The first day ended with a 'Days in the Dioceses' Youth Concert with young pilgrims of the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn featuring John Angotti, a famous Christian singer-song writer from the United States.

Friday 11 July 2008 began with a stirring commemorative ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. The military pilgrims commemorated and prayed for those who have died in the service of our nations. Bishop Davis and Bishop Joe Estabrook from the Archdiocese of Military Services USA, laid wreaths at the tomb of the Unknown Australian soldier. It was important that, in preparations for World Youth Day, the International Military Contingent stopped and prayed for those, like Christ, had sacrificed their lives for our peace and freedom. Leading-Aircraftsman Robert Vanzino of the Royal Australian Air Force led the military pilgrims in a significant Prayer for Peace and Hope for Future Generations. This show of solidarity by the young people of the military towards peace and hope was so powerful that it attracted significant media attention, with the event being reported as far away as London by Sky News International.

Saturday 12 July 2008 saw the young international military pilgrims come together in plenary sessions to develop their own Statement of Peace. This statement declares the International Military Pilgrim Contingent's commitment to the establishment and maintenance of peace throughout the word as inspired by the love of Jesus Christ. The statement was handed, later that evening, to Air Vice Marshall Geoff Brown (Deputy Chief of Air Force) representing Australia's Chief of Defence Force at a formal dinner at the Great Hall of Australia's Parliament House. At this dinner, Bishop Davis surprised everyone by announcing that the Apostolic Nuncio had informed him that Father Glynn Murphy (Roman Catholic Chaplain for 1 Division) was given the title of Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI!

The first Days in the Military Diocese on Sunday 13 July 2008 concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joe Estabrook at the Pauline Father's Marian Shrines at Berrima (Penrose Park). After Mass, military pilgrims spent about an hour and a half exploring the various shrines of Our Lady and also in prayer. The surroundings of the Australian bush provided the ideal reflective environment for the International Military Contingent to gather with other World Youth Day pilgrims for the celebration of the Eucharist - for the final time before embarking on the final leg of their journey to World Youth Day in Sydney.

On the same day, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, arrived at RAAF Base Richmond (located north-west of Sydney) and was greeted by Bishop Davis (as the local Diocesan Bishop). The chartered A'Italia Boeing 777, with the call-sign Shepard One, touched down at exactly 3pm Sydney time. When the Holy Father stepped foot onto Australian soil for the first time, Bishop Davis welcome him:"Holy Father, welcome to Australia!", he said.