The theme of the 23rd World Youth Day, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8) is already coming true.
The activities for WYD have already begun. On Monday afternoon while we were walking around the downtown area of Sydney, there were already signs that Taize prayer sessions had begun in some of the local parishes.
Throughout the evening hours, pilgrims arriving from various parts of Australia and overseas were being welcomed in various locations, including parishes in the Sydney area and the Olympic Village where the largest delegation - some 450 pilgrims in one group - will be spending their nights.
There was also a prayer vigil in Saint Mary's Cathedral where 700 young people gathered to pray in the presesence of the mortal remains of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frasatti, one of the World Youth Day patrons. Father Thomas Rosica, CSB who facilitated this prayer vigil said that it was a very moving experience of prayer.
Later today, all the pilgrims who are here will gather on the shores of the Sydney harbour for the celebration of the official opening liturgy. It promises to be a wonderful celebration of hope.
Live coverage of the main events of WYD are being broadcast on the WYD website at http://www.wyd2008.org/.
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