COMMUTERS on the Macarthur line were treated to a heavenly chorus as the first batch of pilgrims made their way to their temporary homes in Camden on Monday morning.

The young Catholics were making their presence felt with hymns of praise in the spirit of this week's World Youth Day celebrations.

Canadian supervisor Bruce Weinart said pilgrims took Macarthur residents by surprise.

"On the train on the way here the kids were singing people were saying they've never seen anything like this,'' he said.

"They didn't know what to expect from this invasion of Catholics.''

On arrival pilgrims were greeted by St Paul's parishioners and families that would be accommodating them, and pilgrims said the reception here was like they "were long lost children''.

More than 400 young pilgrims have been billeted to 124 homes in the Camden area, and their North American supervisors were thrilled by the generosity of local residents.

"They're going to be staying two or three to a home these people are absolutely wonderful,'' Mr Weinert said.

"When we arrived there was even a farmer that had brought a truckload of fresh fruit.''

St Paul's Church held a greeting Mass and barbecue for pilgrims on Monday night, and the visitors went home with their new families afterwards.

World Youth Day celebrations are held every three years and in recent years have been hosted by Germany, Canada, Italy and France.

Mr Weinert said that Toronto's World Youth Day celebrations had a positive affect on the Canadian church.

"Since then among young people it's been cool to be Catholic and in church,'' he said.

"They know they can be very proud to be a Catholic.''

Yesterday the visitors attended an Opening Mass with Cardinal George Pell at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and today they'll head to Campbelltown for a period of teaching and fellowship.

Tomorrow they will do the same before going to Sydney to see Pope Benedict XVI cross the city by boat and car.

On Friday they will go into the city and re-enact the last hours of Christ by marking the Stations of the Cross.

On Saturday the pilgrims will rally and march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge before settling at an all-night vigil and final Mass on Sunday morning.