Message for the XXIII World Youth
Day, 2008 - 20 July 2007
In his Message of the
previous year, the Holy Father anticipated the 23rd World Youth Day, to
be celebrated in Sydney, Australia, July 2008. The theme announced by
Pope Benedict was from Acts 1:8, "You will receive power when the Holy
Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses."
Message to the People of Australia -
4 July 2008
From Rome, the Pope greets the people of
Australia, together with all young pilgrims who will take part in World Youth
Day 2008. It is the Holy
Father's firm belief that young people are "instruments of renewal" in a
world that either has not heard the Good News or recognized therein the
saving truth that alone can satisfy their hearts.
Interview of the Holy Father During the Flight to Australia - 12
July 2008
On
Sunday, during the Holy Father's flight to Sydney, media
representatives were allowed a question-and-answer session, which was
introduced by Fr Federico Lombardi, S.J., Director of the Holy See Press
Office and Vatican Radio.
Homily for World Youth Day 2008
Opening Mass -
15 July 2008
In the first major event of the week, Cardinal George Pell presided at
the opening Mass, at Barangaroo. In his homily, Cardinal Pell spoke of
Christ's call to all suffering humanity.
Welcoming Ceremony at Government House of
Sydney - 17 July 2008
At Government House, the Holy Father
addressed Governor-General, Major-General Michael Jeffery, Prime Minister Rudd,
and others present, thanking them for their hospitality, and expressing
the hope that the young people gathered at Sydney would have the courage to become Saints.
Welcoming celebration by the young
people at Barangaroo, East Darling Harbour of Sydney - 17 July 2008
After
a 'boat-a-cade'
along Sydney Harbour,
aboard the
Sydney 2000, accompanied by 13 other vessels, the Pope disembarked
at Barangaroo where he addressed a large crowd of pilgrims, speaking of
human goodness, and of the dangers threatening to reshape us.
Ecumenical Meeting in the Crypt of St.
Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney - 18 July 2008
The Holy Father met with
representatives of various Christian communities in the crypt of St.
Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, remarking on the religious diversity of
Australia. The Pope spoke of a "critical juncture" in the ecumenical
movement and encouraged prayer to the Holy Spirit for further progress.
Meeting with representatives of other
religions in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney - 18
July 2008
The Holy Father spoke of the
service religion does to mankind, in his meeting with representatives of
other religions in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary's Cathedral. He called
upon the world's religions to highlight "man's natural inclination to
live in communion and accord with others."
Meeting with
Young People of a Rehabilitation Community in the Church of the Sacred
Heart, Sydney - 18 July 2008
The Holy Father met with young
people of a rehabilitation community, in the Church of the Sacred Heart,
at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. The community, part of the
Archdiocese's Social Services Agency, is called "Alive." This name
prompted the Pope to reflect on what it really means to be alive.
Holy Mass, with the Consecration of the
New Altar, St.
Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney - 19 July 2008
At the celebration of Mass, in St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, with
the Australian Bishops, seminarians and novices, the Holy Father
consecrated a new altar. In his homily the Pope reminded his hearers
that every altar is a symbol of Jesus Christ, present in His Church as
priest, altar, and victim.
Vigil with the young people at
Randwick Racecourse in Sydney - 19 July 2008
The young pilgrims gathered at Randwick Racecourse, Southern Cross
Precinct, for a Vigil with the Holy Father. The Vigil consisted of music
and song, a ceremony of candlelight, testimonies, prayer, Eucharistic
Adoration, and a homily by the Pope. The Holy Father focused on how to
become witnesses.
Holy
Mass at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney - 20 July 2008
During the course of the closing
Mass of the 23rd World Youth Day, the Holy Father gave the following
homily. Continuing the theme of the World Youth Day celebration on the
power of the Holy Spirit, he challenged them to use the gifts of the
Holy Spirit in their lives for the renewal of the world.
Recitation of the Angelus and Announcement of the 24th World Youth Day
- 20 July 2008
On Sunday, after presiding at the World Youth Day Mass, the Holy
Father led the Recitation of the Angelus with the young people and after
the Marian prayer said words of farewell.
Meeting with benefactors and
organizers of the 23rd World Youth Day - 20
July 2008
At the Reception Hall of Cathedral House, the Holy Father expressed
his appreciation to all who made this World Youth Day a success.
Greeting to the volunteers of the 23rd
World Youth Day in the Domain of Sydney - 21 July 2008
Before his departure, the Holy
Father greeted all who had volunteered their efforts for the "smooth
running of each of the events" making up this World Youth Day.
Farewell ceremony at the International
Airport of Sydney - 21 July 2008
At the Airport of Sydney, the Holy Father again thanked his hosts
for their hospitality and said the Church can rejoice in today's youth
and be hope-filled for the world of tomorrow.
|