VATICAN - Youth from the Diocese of Rome accompany the Pope towards 23rd World Youth Day

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - In the Angelus on March 9, the Holy Father invited the youth of Rome to a liturgical Penance Service in preparation for World Youth Day, to be celebrated on a diocesan level on Palm Sunday. He told them, “This Thursday, March 13, at 5:30pm, I will preside a Penance Service in the Basilica of Saint Peter for the youth of the Diocese of Rome. It will be an opportunity for intense preparation for the 23rd World Youth Day that we will celebrate on Palm Sunday, and that will culminate in the great encounter this July in Sydney. Dear young people of Rome, I invite you all to this encounter with the Mercy of God! I ask that the priests and those who work to promote youth participation, make their own, the words of the apostle Paul, “We are, therefore, ambassadors of Christ...In the name of Christ we ask you: Reconcile yourselves with God!” (2 Cor 5:20)
“'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses,” (Acts 1:8) is the theme chosen by Benedict XVI for the 23rd World Youth Day that will take place in Sydney, July 15-20, and it is also the theme for the preparatory activities being organized on a diocesan level. The parishes, movements, and youth associations of the Diocese of Rome are working to prepare the penance service that will be presided by the Holy Father. Together with them, in the Basilica, will be over 200 priests available for hearing confessions. Some young people will have the opportunity to go to confession with the Pope. World Youth Day will be celebrated on Palm Sunday, March 16, with a Solemn Mass presided by the Pope in Saint Peter’s Square at 9:30am. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 11/3/2008 righe 21, parole 297)