• ¼ pound NY Cut Steak
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Season meat with oregano and olive oil.  Put steaks on grill for 4 minutes on each side.  If you want the grill marks that I made, put steaks on a 45 degree angle in one direction for 2 minutes.  Reposition the steaks at a 45 degree angle in the opposite direction for another 2 minutes.  Flip steaks and repeat the process for medium rare temperature.  Season steaks at the end of the cooking process with salt and pepper, which is different from my normal style of seasoning before grilling.  I kept the side dishes very simple and healthy by using lightly dressed romaine lettuce, some pickled beets, and marinated mushrooms with a mayonnaise herbal dressing.  Cheers!

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It’s been an incredible experience - from the Pope’s arrival to the closing Mass. I’ve been honored to lead catechetical talks in the morning. On the last morning, we were told the Pope would pass by in a motorcade. So, we obviously had to change our schedules around and wait for the Pope to pass by.

While waiting, Dan DiSilva, of the band Crispin, and Gizel, who accompanied us on some of our venues, had a chance to snap a great view of the Opera House.

And, suddenly with a blink of the eye and a scream of “Viva il Papa” the Pope’s car passes by - somewhat incognito. We thought he would be in a Pope Mobile. But instead, he was in a pretty cool white car, brand name Holden - which happens to be my sister’s married name.

During these pilgrimage days, groups of people were scattered throughout the city to watch the Stations of the Cross and the Re-enactment of the Passion of Christ. It was rather powerful stuff! My group, with a bunch of Baltimore people watched from Barangaroo Harbor. It was a beautiful site to behold. The performers did a great job. I was also very proud to see the Maryland Flag of our group from the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Most of my times in the evenings were spent at Vocations.com doing some mini-presentations on the spiritual life and vocations. Boy, was that a cool experience. Dan DiSilva did a great job in leading / introducing musical acts and speakers. I also had the chance to meet many people who are part of the GBM Family and others who were at previous conferences that I’ve given. At the same time, I met a whole bunch of new friends along the way!

I even managed to get a pretty good bite to eat during one of the breaks. One of my favorite meals was a baked canalloni!

On Saturday, right before the pilgrims began the 6 kilometer walk to Randwick Course - the site of the Final Papal Mass, the US Bishops had a Mass for all US pilgrims. It was great to listen to the concert before, meet up with priest friends, and also get a chance to visit with Archbishop O’Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore.

I’m getting ready to transfer out of my hotel and move to the airport - once again - to board a flight to Japan. SO, I’ll be sure to send something out pretty soon regarding the closing Mass AND - are your ready for this - MY KANGAROO DINNER!

So, stay tuned!

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From a completely crazy and hectic flight schedule, I arrived in Syndey feeling the excitement of this town.  People are very ready to host the Pope!  My first friend to meet was Gizel, who was so kind to pick me up at the airport and to take me to my hotel.  Make sure you notice in the picture that she’s driving on the “other” (not wrong) side of the car and road!

She has a been a huge help!  Thanks Gizel!

Check out the view from my hotel in the heart of downtown Sydney!

I have to admit, as wonderful as this city is, the food prices are so much higher than in even major cities in the USA. My pizza from a sidewalk seating restaurant, “Taglio” (which means “cut”) served up a wonderful traditional Italian pizza with sausage and onions.  It was good!  But, it better be after I paid $20.00 for 2 bottles of sparkling water and a cut of pizza!

The next part of my first day was going to see some relatives on my father’s side. My dad’s mother’s maiden name is “Nacua”.  It was my first time meeting this group and was so impressed to see just how “close” our families are.  We did as my family would do.  We sang, ate and told stories. Meet my dad’s Uncle.  He’s looking good for 92 years old!

When I heard my cousins sing, I automatically felt at home.  These kids are very talented!

The next morning, I popped into a church. It was beautiful!  St. Peter’s in Wynyard.

My uncles, aunts and cousins are living very spiritual and holy lives. It was a good way to start my first official day!

It’s been such a pleasure to hang out with so many wonderful people and I’m looking forward to sharing more of my Sydney WYD 08 Experience.

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