Extraordinary...

...glorious and moving Vigil of Prayer in Hyde Park. It was great fun to be in the parade of Catholic groups and organisations - along with Patti Fordyce, I was representing the Association of Catholic Women, and we carried our brand-new banner, specially made for the occasion, with great pride. As we made our way through the crowd, there were excited shouts of "Auntie Joanna!" and young relatives hurried through for a joyful greeting. Then off we went, up on to the stage, where we were greeted by all the Bishops...and then we were given seats, and had a superb view of all that followed.

Far and away the most moving and inspiring speakers were the Mizen parents, whose son Jimmy was murdered in a random act of violence and whose prayerful and courageous response to this tragedy has touched everyone. They spoke about faith, and what Christ means when you suffer sorrow, and the need to teach peace and forgiveness. "Be proud of your faith" Mrs Mizen told the young people "Be proud and glad of your Catholic faith."

Earlier, through the afternoon, there had been Irish dancing, and Polish dancing, and African singing, all shown across the Park to the crowds via giant screens. As we waited for the Holy Father, we nopw moved on to various talks and messages - some very good, some less so - and then finally to prayer.

When the Holy Father arrived, there was a terrific outburst of cheering, and an overwhelming surge of joy and enthusiasm...and magnificent music, and a wonderful sense of unity and shared faith...

...and so to the beautiful vigil of prayer, and a deep and reverent silence as the Holy Father lifted high the monstrance and blessed us with the Blessed Sacrament. Young faces glowed in the candlelight, and here in the heart of London 80,000 souls were joining together in prayer...

When things finished, we gathered again with young family members, and walked off through a gloriously quiet London - how enchanting it is when streets are sealed from traffic! Jamie telephoned to say that the BBC wanted me for a discussion with Peter Tatchell and did I want to do that? Certainly not, and there was the joyful recognition that poor Tatchell was becoming less and less relevant in the nation's mind as the joy and true signifoicance of the Papal visit intensified.

At Victoria station, young people with their golden "PIlgrim pack" backpacks were everywhere, and on the packed train to the southern suburbs other passengers caught the mood and all was cheery and talkative and joyful...