Students from All Saints Senior Catholic College at Casula found the WYD Opening Mass a moving and inspiring experience.

Laura Dening and Stefanie Fabjancic were among 120 All Saints students attending the Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell,  and staying on for the concert afterwards.

Laura she felt really connected and involved with pilgrims from all around the world. 

"I think the music has a lot to do with that. It is as if the music is everyone's language. I saw people so emotional and moved by the amazing music in the Mass.

"Catholics from other countries seem to be more open about expressing their faith than Australians. Maybe we can learn from that."

Stefanie commented, "I really wanted to be part of this whole experience. It's something that just doesn't happen every day!"

"I love the notion that everyone feels connected in some way, even if they don't speak the same language. The spirit among the pilgrims was just awesome."

Lauren Scully, a teacher from All Saints who accompanied the students to the Mass, was also delighted that this event could come to Sydney. "This was a special occasion and an opportunity for our students to meet young people from all over the world, and express their faith together in a really meaningful way," she said.