The group of about 100 skipped Sydney’s “Super Thursday” World Youth Day activities and arrived in two coaches with a mission to spread the message of unity to the people of the North West.

The pilgrims, armed with musical instruments, flags, banners and crosses marched through Peel St and spread the word as they sang and danced to hymns.

Pilgrim Guylaine Mbgongo told The Leader she was happy to be in the country.

“It’s very important for all young people,” she said.

“It’s not the first time for me, I was in Italy for it last year. I’m looking forward to it all and it’s important that people know for me this is a pilgrimage not a holiday. I’m on a mission here as a pilgrim and to celebrate.”

Fellow pilgrim Gabrielle said the group were travelling around the area to spread the joy of World Youth Day.

“The Pope has asked us to give the good news to everyone in Australia and in all the streets of the city,” he said.

“I’m very happy to be here.

“Australia is fantastic but there is a big difference in weather here.”

The group will spend the night at the Tamworth Bunkhouse Hostel,on Goonoo Goonoo Rd, and will head to Sydney this morning.

Bunkhouse owner Trevor Stehr said the staff were delighted to have the Italian followers as guests.

“All bookings are treated equally at the Bunkhouse, but it’s quite special to have almost a hundred international visitors coming to stay. We want to make their Tamworth experience memorable,” Mr Stehr said.

“We’re doing whatever we can to make them happy.

“I’m looking forward to chatting to them in the short time they’re here.

“We’ll be supplying them with breakfast and also their lunches for the trip to Sydney.

“They’re very religious people and they want to walk around and send the message out and inspire people in Tamworth.”

The group will head off this morning and spread the word at each stop until they reach their final destination, Sydney.