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World Youth Day in Australia just around the corner
Nachrichten - News - Noticias
 published: 2008-06-27

It does not seem so long ago that we were camping out in a field in Cologne

World Youth Day in Australia just around the corner

 

Noch 18 Tage bis zum WJT 2008! Willkommen in Australien!

Faltan 18 d ías... JMJ 2008!

18 days to go - welcome to Australia !

Noch 18 Tage bis zum WJT 2008! Willkommen in Australien!

Foto: wyd2008.org © 2008

 

Ja, da gibt es Känguruhs!

Si, ¡hay canguros!

Yes, there are cangaroos!

Ja, da gibt es Känguruhs!

 
Kathedrale von Sydney  

Catedral de Sydney

Sydney Cathedral

Kathedrale von Sydney

Fotos: Fr. Andrew Pastore © 2008

 
   

AUSTRALIA, mkf. "It does not seem so long ago that we were camping out in a field in Cologne. Now Pope Benedict is coming to Australia – for me it’s great to be here. I’m in Australia to help with the preparations for World Youth Day", shares Fr. Andrew Pastore, Schoenstatt Father from England. Sister M. Angela Macari, USA, also already arrived in Australia to help.

"You can see in the eyes of the busy sisters and volunteers -- so much has been done already and so much remains to be done. The Joseph Engling Centre is being prepared to accommodate pilgrims and many of the Schoenstatt family are involved", Fr. Andrew continues. The cathedral in Sydney is led up each night, and on a big display one can watch counting down the days until world youth day. It is just around the corner...

It's a celebration

News are coming in at a daily rhythm from the World Youth Day Press Office. Preparation is heating up. Registrations for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) have been rolling in, with just under 200,000 in the system, organisers said these days. "Our estimations for the event have always been based on 125,000 international and 100,000 domestic registered pilgrims," said WYD08 Chief Operating Officer Danny Casey. "The internationals have registered early to ensure they’re well-prepared for their journey to Sydney. We always knew that the Aussies would come in late, but we are seeing growth in this segment as well.

"World Youth Day is a celebration, and exploration of young people and faith," said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, WYD08 Coordinator. "This is a time for the youth of the world to come together and discuss the critical challenges and issues facing society today." As part of WYD08’s Youth Festival, various forums tackling issues from social justice and women’s rights to interfaith dialogue and sexuality will guarantee to engage and inspire all participants.

A sacred place

A massive roof, measuring 30 metres by 40 metres, has been raised into place above the sanctuary where His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will say Mass for up to half a million people next month.

Building contractors preparing Randwick Racecourse for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) today hoisted the roof 25 metres off the ground and 17 metres above the floor of the sanctuary – the structure where the altar will be located. "It’s amazing what our contractors have been able to build in the few short weeks they’ve been on site," said WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP. "The sanctuary is taking shape very quickly. Soon, they will start applying the iconic Australian design elements such as ‘Marjorie’s Bird’ - an Indigenous painting depicting the Holy Spirit by Tiwi Islander artist Marjorie Liddy.

"While its size will make it impressive, we’ve taken great care to ensure the sanctuary will also be a sacred liturgical space. It will establish the perfect atmosphere for prayer, adoration and reflection."

The sanctuary will accommodate:

  • 500 cardinals and bishops
  • A 300-strong WYD08 choir and
  • An 80-piece orchestra

Southern Cross Precinct – the name given to the joint Randwick Racecourse/Centennial Park venue site - will host the last two World Youth Day events. "The first is the Evening Vigil with the Holy Father on Saturday 19 July. We expect 225,000 pilgrims to sleep out on site afterwards – that’s more people than the entire population of the Northern Territory.", organizers said. "When they awake, the Holy Father will return for the Final Mass, and we expect the overnight population will double in the morning as Sydneysiders arrive to take their places in the racecourse and Centennial Park."

With 18 days to go, Schoenstatt youth all over the world is preparing to set out for Australia... physically, or spiritually. May it be a celebration of faith!

 

 

 

 

 



 

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Last Update: 27.06.2008