Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – In the morning, on July 21, His Holiness Benedict XVI celebrated Mass in the small chapel of the Cathedral House in Sydney, where he has been staying in recent days, for a group of those who have suffered abuse by members of the clergy. The Pope listened to their testimonies and offered them his consolation. He assured them of his spiritual nearness and promised to continue praying for them, for their families, and for all the victims.
After the Mass, he met with the nearly 12,000 World Youth Day volunteers in the public park Domain. He told them: “During these days we have been able to witness at first hand the joy that so many thousands of young people find in their faith, and we have been able to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for his goodness to us. We have had a taste of the warmth and generosity of Australian hospitality, and we have glimpsed something of the glorious scenery of this beautiful continent. It has truly been a week to remember.”
The Holy Father continued, saying: “I want to thank all of you for the generous commitment of time and energy you have made, in order to ensure the smooth running of each of the events we have celebrated together. Your efforts have prepared the ground for the Spirit to come down in power, forging bonds of unity and friendship among young people from widely differing backgrounds, and rekindling their love for Jesus Christ and his Church.”
After thanking all the Bishops, priests, consecrated, chaplains, teachers, lay associations, ecclesial movements, host families, schools and parish communities who have given so much “to make World Youth Day a success,” the Pope said, “As I set off on my journey back to Rome, I shall treasure the memory of the many grace-filled events we have experienced together... I pray that you too will take many precious memories and spiritual insights away with you, and will return to your homes and families with fresh zeal to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
When he had finished his encounter with the volunteers of WYD, Benedict XVI traveled to Sydney International Airport, for a Farewell Ceremony. “In characteristic Australian style, you have extended a warm welcome to me and to countless young pilgrims who have flocked here from every corner of the globe. You have opened your doors and your hearts to the world’s youth, and on their behalf I thank you,” the Pope said, expressing his gratitude for the hospitality received from the state and religious leaders present at the airport.
He continued, saying: “The principal actors on the stage over these last few days, of course, have been the young people themselves. World Youth Day is their day. It is they who have made this a global ecclesial event, a great celebration of youth and a great celebration of what it is to be the Church, the people of God throughout the world, united in faith and love and empowered by the Spirit to bear witness to the risen Christ to the ends of the earth. I thank them for coming, I thank them for their participation, and I pray that they will have a safe journey home. I know that the young people, their families and their sponsors have in many cases made great sacrifices to enable them to travel to Australia. For this the entire Church is grateful.” After recalling some of the most important events of the last several days, the Pope concluded with this affirmation: “World Youth Day has shown us that the Church can rejoice in the young people of today and be filled with hope for the world of tomorrow.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 22/7/2008)
