Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – World Youth Day was officially inaugurated yesterday, July 15, by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, in a Mass that took place on the Barangaroo Dock, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, which was attended by thousands of pilgrims from all different countries and continents. Among them were groups from all the various countries of the Americas, some were smaller in number than others, due to the difficulties that they have faced in trying to make the journey.
From Peru, there was a pilgrimage of 50 young people, accompanied by Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte of Trujillo, President of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference; Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Miranda Melgarejo of Ayacucho; and Auxiliary Bishop Adriano Tomasi of Lima. Archbishop Héctor Miguel Cabrejos will give the catechese for Spanish-speaking youth on July 16, 17, and 18. The topics for reflection will be: “Called to live in the Holy Spirit,” “The Holy Spirit, soul of the Church,” “Sent out into the world: the Holy Spirit, the principal agent of mission.”
Colombia is present with a group of 650 people, led by Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz, Archbishop of Bogota. They are also joined by Bishop Ismael Rueda Sierra of Socorro y San Gil, and Fr. Aldemar Ramirez, Head of the Youth Department for the Colombian Bishops’ Conference.
A group of 114 Mexican pilgrims from various states of Monterrey and Jalisco have overcome many obstacles in reaching World Youth Day, led by Father Valdomero Zambrano Cortes. There are also several Mexican youth members of the group “Popol Mestizo,” who will perform in a traditional dance show in Sydney on Wednesday.
Cuba is also present with a small representation of four youth, a Bishop, and priest. The group has been able to fly to Sydney thanks to the group “Aid to the Church in Need” (ACN). According to Phillip Collignon, Director of the Australian Department of ACN, headquartered in Sydney, “supporting the youth coming from Cuba for World Youth Day in Sydney is a way of supporting this arduous yet hopeful work of the Church.”
The Bolivian group is also small, due to numerous difficulties. Only four young people could be present among the youth of the world. Two are from “Cuerpo de Cristo” Parish in the Diocese of El Alto. “I am sure that this experience of the Church will fill their hearts with renewed hope, solidarity, and commitment to the good of Bolivia,” said the country’s new Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luciano Suriani.
From Canada, a group of nearly 2,000 youth, accompanied by 15 Bishops, have arrived. Many of the Canadian youth gathered in Saint Mary’s Cathedral to venerate the relics of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian young man who died before reaching his 24th birthday and who is one of the 10 Patrons of WYD 2008. The youth came together to pray Vespers and for Eucharistic Adoration. The Mass was presided by Father Thomas Rosica, Director of WYD. Also present was Wanda Gawronska, Pier Giorgio Frassati’s niece. From July 15-18, there is an exposition taking place in the Exposition Hall in Sydney on the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio, organized by the youth ministry service of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
From the United States, there are nearly 15,000 youth who have traveled to Sydney to participate in World Youth Day. The youth will have an encounter to celebrate their faith and share testimonies in a Mass organized by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB). The Mass will be held on July 19, in an open-air setting, in downtown Sydney and will be presided by Cardinal Francis George, concelebrated by the US Bishops taking part in the event. Several of the youth from the United States, including some of Spanish-speaking origin, will play important roles in WYD 2008. Armando Cervantes from the Diocese of Orange will be among 12 young adults from all parts of the world who will have lunch with the Holy Father on Friday, July 18, in Sydney. In addition, Juan Martinez from the Diocese of Austin, Texas will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from Pope Benedict along with other young people at the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Sunday, July 20. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/7/2008)
