Sydney gears up for WYD 2008
The pilgrim path leads to
World Youth Day (WYD) was established in 1986 by Pope John Paul II as an annual event to reach out to Catholics of the next generation, and as an invitation to all youth worldwide without discrimination. WYD is held each year in
WYD2008 begins on July 15 with the opening mass celebrated by Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell and Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko of the
On Friday, July 18, the Stations of the Cross will be dramatized with a traveling reenactment of Christ’s passion and death. The 14 Stations of the Cross set up all over
Pope Benedict XVI will arrive on Thursday, July 17, entering
On Saturday, the pilgrims will gather at the Mary MacKillop Shrine in
It is fitting that the WYD pilgrims will pay homage to Blessed Mary MacKillop, patron for WYD 2008. The shrine is run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph that she founded in 1868 as a refuge for young women recently released from prison, an orphanage and a home for older women. Within four years of its founding there were 130 sisters working in more than 40 schools and charitable institutions in
Mary, born in Melbourne in 1842, was truly a woman ahead of her time, pragmatic and down to earth, never tiring of helping those in need. She lived by the credo, “Never see a need without doing something about it.” She was not afraid to question and stand up for her beliefs, even against the institution she served. Despite being excommunicated by a church hierarchy that could not appreciate the work she was doing, Mary never wavered in her faith. She died in 1909 and was beatified in 1995.
The countdown to the largest international youth event began last July 1 with the arrival in
Accompanying the Cross on its journey through the 28 dioceses of Australia is the Icon of Our Lady, a copy of the ancient painting of Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Romans), and an aboriginal message stick inviting indigenous youth to be part of WYD.
For over two decades, the Cross has traveled the world, by plane and boat big and small, by truck, train and tractor, even dog sled. Youthful hands of all colors and sizes have carried the Cross, as a fitting a symbol of peace and unity.
The Cross and Icon were handed to Australian representatives in
Visa procedures have been simplified for pilgrims attending WYD. Visas for registered pilgrims will be free, and valid for three months allowing multiple entries. There is no quota for visas overall or from any particular country. Pilgrims though must be registered, and they can do that online at www.wyd2008.org where they can also get all pertinent information, including customs and quarantine regulations, accommodations available, pre- and post-WYD activities and tours, and much more.
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