Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - From today 20 July individual young people may register to take part in World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.
Individual registration starts a year to the day when Pope Benedict XVI will preside the culminating Youth Day Mass at Randwick Race Course in the presence of an estimated 500,000 young pilgrims. The WYD organisers say 137,000 pilgrims have registered as groups and now individuals can register and book accommodation and meals for the WYD8 week, 15-20 July 2008.
The Mass with the Pope will be the culmination of a series of activities following the opening Mass presided by Cardinal George Pell on 15 July 2008; welcome ceremony with Pope Benedict XVI (17 July); the devotion of the Stations of the Cross through the streets of Sydney (18 July); a pilgrimage on foot to Randwick Race Course for the Prayer Vigil with the Pope on 19 July and the next morning for WYD Mass again with Pope Benedict XVI.
“All the events will be open to the public, but registered pilgrims will have seats where the places are limited ”, says WYD8 executive director Danny Casey. Mr Casey said already 125,000 young people have registered in groups from about 200 different countries, and that the largest groups will probably come from the United States and Italy.
It is expected that about 500,000 people will be present for at least one of the WYD8 events. Registrations are accepted at www.wyd2008.org. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/7/2007 righe 24 parole 242)
