This took place on Monday the 17th March, 2008, at the State Sports Centre, Homebush Bay, Sydney. This was one of the major venues used for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The Eucharist had been on the planning board since late 2006, serious preparations taking place from early 2007. In essence it was planned as a school Mass involving the five Patrician-linked schools: Holy Cross College, Ryde; Delany College, Granville; Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown; Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield; and All Saints Catholic Boys College, Liverpool.

Just a section of the congregation.

The organisation and co-ordination demanded was significant and was taken on by the respective school Religious Education Co-ordinators with the full support of their Principals and Assistant Principals. Overseeing it all was provincial Br Aengus Kavanagh and Mr Michael Krawec, CEO Consultant, a central organisation committee, and the company Great Big Events.

Current and past Superior Generals: Br Aengus kavanagh, Br Jerome Ellens, Br Patrick Lovegrove, and Br Philip Mulhall	Patrician-linked school Principals: Mr Garry Williams, Mr Peter Wade, Mr Santo Passarello, Mr John Killeen, and Mr Tim Logue

A bicentenary anthem was commissioned, the task given to well known local composer Amanda McKenna. Amanda did us proud. As well as composing the anthem, Amanda also took on the role of the music co-ordinator for the Mass, and she, along with our Br Mark Ryan, frequently visited the schools to rehearse the hymns for the Mass.

The weather on the morning of the 17th March was glorious, most fortunate indeed with more than 5,000 students and staff travelling to the Mass venue from near and far, by train and bus.

Long-time friend of the Brothers - and of many others - Bishop David Cremin was the principal celebrant for the Mass. At his side was another good friend Bishop Peter Ingham. Forty other priests concelebrated, many of these ex-students of Patrician schools. Executive members of local Catholic Education Offices were present, as were Affiliate members of the Patrician congregation, and family and friends of the Brothers.

Students with WYD Cross and Icon waiting for the Mass to begin. We were honoured to have been able to incorporate these symbols into the liturgy.	Brothers Joseph Guidera, Benedict Olsen, and Basil Downey enjoy a special moment. All three have been Patricians for 60 years and more.

Also with us, and very importantly so, was Patrician international leader (Superior General) Br Jerome Ellens. Br Jerome gave a most inspiring account of the history, ministry, and spirit of the Patricians over 200 years. We were also very pleased to have with us two Kenyan Patricians: Brothers Andrew and Peter.

The Mass was brilliant! Hundreds of verbal and written comments after the celebration expressed their delight at having been present; expressed how the Eucharist was one of the most spiritually uplifting and renewing experiences had for many years; expressed their appreciation of the wonderful music, ceremony, and symbolism which embellished the Eucharistic event;  and expressed their appreciation of the behaviour and involvement of the students. To the eye of the members of the congregation the ceremony was logistically flawless: thank you to Great Big Events for that.

Students process in with the flags of the countries the Brothers have schools in.	The Brothers process out at the end of the Mass with students leading the way.

The bicentenary Eucharist, despite being the first official bicentenary event, will perhaps be always regarded as the climax of the bicentennial year for the Australian and Papua New Guinean Patrician province. The other events have been excellent, but there seems little question that the spirit, meaning, and fruits of the liturgy and all its components and participants will linger on the longest.

(A DVD video pack of the Eucharist can be purchased from the Brothers and the Patrician-linked schools. For details: massvideo@patricianbrothers.com or 9808.6794. A photo summary is also available on YouTube or right here.)