"You
will receive POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon you, and you will be
MY WITNESSES..." (Act 1:8)
That afternoon, you will arrive into Sydney.
The Australian Defence Force will provide basic "pilgrim-style" accommodation
at Randwick Barracks which
is close to the city, meals, pulic transport and medical support to all
military pilgrims. The barracks is within walking distance of Randwick
Racecourse where the Holy Father will be celebrating Mass. Monday, 14
July 2008 will be a free day, allowing pilgrims to explore the sights
of Sydney. You will be able to go "up-close and personal" with the famous
"sails" of the Sydney Opera House and walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
This could be followed by lunch at Darling Harbour, which also has the
Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and Maritime Museum for you to visit in
the afternoon. Otherwise, hop onboard one of our famous ferries and cruise
one of the most beautiful harbours in the world to Manly Beach. You can
ascend to the top of the city and admire the amazing views from CentrePoint
Tower. For those who wish to have their photo taken with a kangaroo or
koala, Taronga Zoo is just across the harbour. Don't forget your camera!!!
The full program
for World Youth Day week is: Group leaders who wish to organise specific activities
for their groups, during this time, should contact the Military Diocese
of Australia's WYD Coordinators. However,
group leaders are encouraged to schedule any such activities during the
Days in the Defence Diocese period rather than during the World
Youth Day week.
Our
plan is that on 13 July 2008, you will journey from Canberra to
Sydney for the climax of your pilgrimage, World Youth Day Week. During
the 3 hour bus ride, we will stop along the way at Penrose Park, Berrima.
This is a sacred site of the Pauline Fathers with beautiful shrines dedicated
to saints and our Mother Mary. On the 13th of every month, there are special
activities to celebrate Our Lady's appearance at Fatima. We will celebrate
Mass here, and you will have time for personal prayers.
World Youth Day Week will officially
begin with the Opening Mass on 15 July 2008, celebrated by George
Cardinal Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney. Military pilgrims are encouraged
to join in with the official World Youth Day program. There will over
200 sites around Sydney for you to attend Mass and Catechesis each morning
with the rest of the world. There will be youth festivals each afternoon
with concerts, seminars, conferences, etc. On the Thursday, the youth
of the world will welcome the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney
as he sails into the beautiful harbour. The Way of the Cross will be held
through the streets of Sydney on Friday, with the traditional "Pilgrims'
Walk", Vigil and "sleep-out" on Saturday. On Sunday 20 July
2008, over half a million people are expected to attend Mass celebrated
by the Holy Father.
For
more specific information, visit the Official
World Youth Day Website.
We encourage you to sign up to the "e-Pilgrimage" program in order
to receive monthly news about World Youth Day.
