Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth
The Diocese of Portsmouth covers Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Isles and parts of Berkshire, Dorset and Oxfordshire
Youth
World Youth Day 2008
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.'
Acts 1:8
44 young people and leaders from the mainland joined another 41pilgrims from Jersey in travelling to Melbourne for the Days in the Diocese, where we were hosted by the parish of St Simon the Apostle, Rowville.
During the week in Melbourne, there were opportunities to explore our cultural and religious background and find out about Australian culture. The week culminated in a celebration of Mass in the Telstra Dome. The arena, which is used for sporting events, was filled with over 40,000 pilgrims who were commissioned by Archbishop Dennis Hart and sent forth to Sydney.
A 14 hour bus journey to Sydney led to another packed week of activities from catechesis led by Bishops to talks and music festivals.
On the Thursday the pilgrims welcomed Pope Benedict to Sydney where he reflected on the theme of creation.
Friday saw the Stations of the Cross take place throughout Sydney; the Opera House and Harbour Bridge were used as backdrops to tell the story of Christ’s Passion.
The week culminated with an overnight vigil with Pope Benedict and Mass celebrated for 500,000 people at Randwick Racecourse.
You can read a full account here.
Click here for a Powerpoint presentation on some of the things Pope Benedict said during World Youth Day.
Other links
Bishops of England and Wales WYD page