Benedict XVI : 23

In July 2008, Pope Benedict visited Australia for World Youth Day. During that visit, he celebrated Mass in Saint Mary's Cathedral Sydney for seminarians and religious. An oversized marble altar, of unfortunate design, was also consecrated by the Pope on that occasion.

The Saint Bede Studio was commissioned to make the vestments worn by Pope Benedict (including his mitre) and the deacons-assistant at that Mass. The vestments are now held in the sacristy of Saint Peter's Rome. More about those vestments can be read here and here.

Here are some photographs, which may be enlarged by clicking on them.

During the Procession to the Altar.

An Address of Welcome.

Greeted by a Seminarian.

During the Gospel.

The Litany of the Saints.

Aspersing the new Altar.

Aspersing the Faithful.

Leaving the Sanctuary.

Leaving the Sanctuary.

Returning to the Sacristy.