Tuesday 15 July 2008

The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Philip Wilson today welcomed the official opening of World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney and urged Catholics across Australia to become involved in the events in whatever way they could.

Archbishop Wilson said the atmosphere in Sydney was magnificent, with many thousands of pilgrims moving through the streets and adding colour, life and spirit to the city, ahead of the Opening Mass at Barrangaroo on Sydney Harbour.

“And of course, the Holy Father’s arrival into the outskirts of Sydney on Sunday gave a wonderful new dimension to the reality of World Youth Day here in our own country,” he said.

“Coming as a pilgrim himself, Pope Benedict reminds us that the normal state of life for a Catholic is as a pilgrim. We are on a journey to become more like Christ and to be ever greater witnesses to the wonderful truths we believe.

“The Holy Father has already given us a rich theme for reflection, with his focus on the issues relating to ecology and caring for the environment in the name of the Lord.

“This a reality very close to the hearts of young people in the world who have hopes for the future.”

Archbishop Wilson said he knew of parishes and Church groups across the nation who were participating in World Youth Day in many wonderful ways, including erecting large screens showing WYD events so that people can feel that they are part of the celebrations wherever they are.

“This is a once in a lifetime event for the Catholic Church in Australia and I urge all Catholics and indeed all Australians everywhere to take part in World Youth Day in their own way,” he said

“Many of the key events will be shown on television, so that even those who are confined to home or hospital will be able to tune in and take part.

“I especially ask that you keep World Youth Day and the Holy Father in your prayers during this most momentous week.”