Tuesday 1 July 2008

Today marks the final countdown to the World Youth Day Opening Mass in Sydney, with the “Olympic Torch” of World Youth Day beginning its 15 Day Walk.

Commencing at Wollongong Cathedral, the 3.8 metre World Youth Day Cross, Icon of Our Lady and an Indigenous Message Stick will be walked through the streets of greater Sydney from today – inviting all people to join in the final countdown.

"World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world," said Fr Mark Podesta, WYD08 spokesman.

"It is very exciting that the event is almost upon us. The 15 Day Walk will create a similar atmosphere of the Olympic torch when it was here in 2000."

Pope John Paul II gave the WYD Cross to the youth of the world in 1984, and it has been on a pilgrimage around the world since then. In its 24 year history, the Cross still remains the most tangible symbol of World Youth Day.

Since arriving in Australia on 1 July 2007, the symbols have visited over 400 communities around Australia and been greeted by almost 400,000 people.

With an official blessing and "send-off" from the Diocese of Wollongong, the Cross, Icon and Message Stick will visit local Sydney suburbs including Minto, Leppington, Liverpool, Rooty Hill, Sutherland, Parramatta, Chatswood and North Sydney during the two week procession.

During the World Youth Day event week, the Cross and Icon will be in Hyde Park where pilgrims and visitors alike are welcome to pray or reflect in their presence.

The full 15 Day Walk schedule can be found online here. Organisers are calling for Sydneysiders to register their interest to join one of Sydney’s longest street processions.