Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - The WYD organizing team is wrapping up the final schedule for the event that will make Sydney the focus of the world’s attention in July. The organizing committee has released the themes and accompanying scripture verse for each day of Catechesis. As always, Bishops from all over the world will direct the catechesis July 16 -18 (Wednesday-Friday) in nearly 300 churches and other sites in Sydney. The central theme for the three days is: “Holy Spirit and Mission,” and will be developed in the following stages: Wednesday 16 July - “Called to live in the Holy Spirit” with the Scripture verse: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.”(Gal 5:25); Thursday 17 July - “The Holy Spirit, soul of the Church” with the Scripture verse: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body; and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.”(1 Cor 12:13); Friday 18 July - “Sent out into the world: the Holy Spirit, the principal agent of mission” with the Scripture verse: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8)
Ten inspirational saints and blesseds have been named the official patrons for World Youth Day 2008. A tradition of each World Youth Day, the 10 patrons have been chosen by the organizers and approved by the Vatican. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Faustina Kowalska, St. Maria Goretti, St. Peter Chanel, Bl. Peter To Rot, Bl. Mary MacKillop, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, Servant of God John Paul II, and Our Lady of the Southern Cross. “When deciding who should be the patrons, we focus on who would inspire young people,” said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator WYD08. “Not only do we look to saints, but those who are waiting to become saints - blesseds - and those who have had a particular influence on Australia's and Oceania's history. We ask everyone to learn their stories, and understand that ordinary people can do extraordinary things through the Spirit of Christ. We particularly urge young people to get to know and pray with our patrons,” the Bishop said.
The patrons will be focused on during some of the major events, including the Evening Vigil at Randwick Racecourse. An Australian artist, Richard de Stoop was commissioned to recreate their images (images are available online at the WYD08 Photo Gallery: www.wyd2008.org/media).
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be in Sydney for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) - the first time his body has left Turin, Italy since his death in 1925 at 24 years of age. Blessed Pier Giorgio is revered for his social activism, sporty nature, sense of humor and generous spirit. “His charm, fun-loving nature and dedication to God and humanity make him the perfect inspiration for young people,” Bishop Fisher said. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/4/2008 righe 37, parole 479)
