World Youth Day
Held every two years, World Youth Day is an international pilgrimage for Catholics and the single largest gathering of young people anywhere in the world.
By Christina Ku
Having being inspired by the Youth Jubilee in 1984, and the United Nations International Year of Youth in 1985, Pope John Paul II held the first World Youth Day (WYD) in Rome, in 1986. His aim was to encourage youth participation and to give the next generation of Catholics renewed confidence in the church.
Whether or not the impending week of motorcades, masses, and moral lessons will have John Paul's intended effect remains to be seen. But, there is simply no denying that WYD 2008 will demand a multitude of loaves and fishes to feed:
- Around 500,000 pilgrims, 100,000 of which will be Aussies, and 40,000 of those coming from Sydney
- Approximately 2,000 clergy members including 700 Cardinals and Bishops from 180 countries
- An estimated 8,000 volunteers and as many as 5,000 media representatives will cover the various WYD event
- More than 3.5 million meals will be served to WYD pilgrims between Wednesday 16 and Sunday 20 July 2008
For a full run-down of WYD events visit www.wyd2008.org