One policeman commented that the only thing this crowd could do was “hug them to death”.

The first few days started with catechesis and mass followed by a public transport journey of at least an hour.

This was followed by walking for up to a further hour to sites of destination.

Here thousands gathered for the official events including the opening mass, the Pope’s arrival and Stations of the Cross.

“These events weren’t just amazing for what they were, it was being in the presence of thousands laughing, praising and praying to our Lord,” Ms Nenke said.

“There were small miracles happening everywhere.”

“On one occasion a group of young people began singing the WYD theme song from beginning to end.

“On concluding the singers introduced themselves, realising that none of them knew each other and that they were from several different countries.

“Swapping flags was a popular craze and even if you didn’t have anything to swap you were still given gifts from other pilgrims.

“We were blessed to meet people from all walks of life and all corners of the world including former Motor Mission nun, Sister Maree, who now lives in Papua New Guinea. She spoke fondly of her years in Wagin in the 1970s.

“There were people with disabilities from mental handicaps, to the hearing impaired, to blind, and people dependent on wheelchairs and crutches.

“These people never stopped at anything with some even journeying on crutches, the 10km walk to Randwick for the final Vigil and Mass.

“Seeing Pope Benedict XV1, who continues in the footsteps of St Peter, was a highlight for all. At his arrival and at the mass shouts of ‘Il Viva Papa’ could be heard everywhere.

“There was even a new version of the favourite ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oy, oy, oy’ which used the word Bennie, Bennie instead.

“But it was the Pope’s words, presence and gentle humility that touched so many. To be in the presence of the leader of the church was inspiring.”

During the pilgrimage the group never stopped. Sleep was often found on train journeys instead of in bed.

There was something for everyone young and old.

When all the main events had finished there were music concerts, talks and workshops. Most of all, though, there was a sense of unity and love uniting everyone.

“It felt as though the people we met were lifelong friends,” Ms Nenke said.

“Each of us came back tired and exhausted but with the Holy Spirit within us and our Facebook list of friends reaching a point of explosion.

“Why it was important to each of us is very different but we all will remember it forever.”