25,000 from 40 Countries Will Assist Young Pilgrims

VATICAN CITY, (ZENIT.org).- Since last Saturday, thousands of volunteers for World Youth Day have arrived in Rome -- a total of 25,000 "guardian angels" are expected. From August 15-20, they will be responsible for welcoming the youth and for the logistical organization of the activities of some one million young pilgrims.

The World Youth Day volunteers come from 40 different countries. They will celebrate their own special Jubilee on August 12, which will include a Mass in St. Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of Rome. They will conclude their celebration by crossing the threshold of the Holy Door together. Immediately thereafter, they will begin 9 days of fast-paced work.

Massimo Orselli, who is in charge of the volunteer section of the Committee for World Youth Day stated that by August 8, over 18,000 volunteers will be in Rome. They will cover railroad stations, toll-booths on highways, airports, and bus depots to welcome the youth and inform them about their accommodations. Other volunteers will greet the pilgrims at their places of residence and be available to resolve practical problems. Mr. Orselli went on to thank the volunteers who will make it possible for the hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims from around the world to meet with the Pope in the field of Tor Vergara, on the outskirts of Rome. After the meeting, the youth are expected to spend the last night of their Jubilee celebration under the stars.

The volunteers are directed by 800 persons of a team, also made up of volunteers, trained in a special course held in the Italian city of Fiuggi at the beginning of May. 



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