Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – The great crowd of young pilgrims participating in the 23rd World Youth Day (nearly 150,000 people) were present at the celebration of the Opening Mass for the event, that for an entire week will capture international spotlight as the largest youth gathering in history to take place in Oceania. The words of encouragement offered by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, resounded with strength. From the platform prepared in the port area of Barangaroo, he welcomed the WYD Cross and Marian Icon and officially opened WYD, to the official hymn of “Receive the Power,” based on the theme of WYD “You will receive the power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...”etc.
In his homily, which centered on the rediscovery of the Christian vocation, Cardinal Pell told the youth that “our task is to be open to the power of the Spirit, to allow the God of surprises to act through us.” Addressing the youth immersed in a culture of materialism, consumerism, and secularism, Cardinal Pell pointed to Christ’s invitation: “Christ is calling you home; to love, healing and community.”
The youth are called to follow in His footsteps, making clear choices everyday: “While there is life there is always the option of hope and with Christian hope come faith and love. Until the end we are always able to choose and act,” and “we Christians believe in the power of the Spirit to convert and change persons away from evil to good; from fear and uncertainty to faith and hope.”
“If we take God’s hand, He will do the rest. Trust is the key,” the Cardinal said. “We are called to open our hearts to the power of the Spirit. And to the young ones I give a gentle reminder that in your enthusiasm and excitement you do not forget to listen and pray!”
The event was defined as “a new Pentecost” by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, who coordinated the organization of WYD. “New Pentecost” means “receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses of the Christian faith in today’s world,” he said.
The excitement among the youth is growing, as they await their encounter with Benedict XVI, already present in Australia. With an innovative means of communication, the Holy Father sent an SMS text message to the phones of participants that read: “Young friend, God & his people expect much from u, because u have within u the Father's supreme gift: the Spirit of Jesus – BXVI.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/7/2008)
