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The following is actually a video I took when we arrived in Brisbane way back when (July 8), but with limited technology capabilities there, I wasn’t able to do anything with it. The idea was to have a post about unique items the pilgrims packed.

Sacred Heart pilgrims brought a gnome on behalf of the whole group. I failed to mention in the “Home at last” post that the gnome made it home too. I’m not sure if he returned last night or today because his Sacred Heart pilgrims — his caretakers — were scattered on various flights, but I think he made it home.

Weston Aviles introduces the gnome

From what I hear, he had a good pilgrimage. I think the “WYD or bust” sign around his neck helped keep his mind focused on why and where he was traveling.

He spent part of his first night in Sydney on the stage of the Sydney Opera House during a concert. After that, during the Sacred Heart group’s travels, they’d meet fellow pilgrims — including a religious order — who recognized Pierre from the Opera House stage.

He also kept the group together in a crowd. While other groups held their country’s flag above their heads as a way of guiding their pilgrims through a crowd, Sacred Heart pilgrims merely had to look for the gnome. 

The only downfall during his pilgrimage was his own fall. He wormed his way out of one of his master’s hands and broke a bit, so he spent the rest of the journey under careful watch wrapped in duct tape for protection.

-Ambria