Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – A spectacular crowd of youth from all over the world displaying an array of cultures, music, colors, hymns, and flags welcomed Benedict XVI in Sydney, where he has officially begun his program of events, which will include the Vigil on Saturday, July 19 and the Closing Mass for the XXIII World Youth Day, on Sunday, July 20. The Pope entered the harbor by ferry, accompanied by an international delegation of youth.
The nearly 500,000 youth pilgrims attending WYD showed their excitement on the streets of a city that is alive and filled with a cosmopolitan air that characterizes Sydney. These aspects of cosmopolitanism and pluralism in the Australian Catholic Church were highlighted by Benedict XVI, who observed how the Church in this country is “the youngest of any continent.” His address given at the Welcoming Ceremony, focusing on protecting human life and creation, recalled that WYD is a source of hope for the Church and for the future of the world (see the other Fides article of 17/7/2008).
An important role was also played by the representatives of the Aboriginal community who, in a symbolic gesture, were the first to welcome the Holy Father and have seen the Pope’s presence and the WYD event as an opportunity for an appreciation of their culture, which is an indispensable part of modern Australia’s national heritage.
Among the important events of July 17 was the Holy Father’s visit to the tomb of Blessed Sister Mary MacKillop, who is among the patrons of WYD. Her process of canonization continues. Once canonized, she would become the first Australian saint that, for her works of charity, has been an inspiration to all Australians. On the occasion of the Pope’s visit, the WYD organizers prepared an interreligious encounter attended by 30 religious leaders present on the continent: Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other Christian denominations such as Anglicans, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and Orthodox.
The 23rd WYD is showing itself to be an event that now, more than ever, uses the new forms of communications technology to reach all those youth physically present in Sydney. In addition to the SMS, there is also live-video service – thanks to on-line streaming, available at www.wydcrossmedia.org, where video and music can be downloaded onto cellular phones.
As the Australian Church has mentioned, many youth have already expressed their desire to enter the Catholic Church. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/7/2008)
