With less than two years remaining until the opening ceremonies of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney; Australia continues with both its temporal and spiritual preparations. From Tuesday July 15th to Sunday July 20th 2008 Sydney will host the world's youth for an energetic faith-filled pilgrimage to the land down under.

Pope Benedict XVI made the announcment at WYD in Cologne that the youth of thw world would travel to Oceania in July of 2008 for World Youth Day. It is the first time that World Youth Day has been in Oceania and only the second time its been in the Southern Hemisphere.

Preparations are well under way: the theme for the pilgrimage of young people has been chosen and the WYD logo has been designed. Parishes and Schools across Australia receive teachings and reflections about the theme and logo. The youth of Oceania also prepare for the transfer and journey of the WYD Cross and Icon of Our Lady. On Palm Sunday 2006 youth from Germany presented to the youth of Australia the WYD Cross and Icon of Our Lady. From Palm Sunday 2007 until Palm Sunday of 2008 the cross and icon will journey across Oceania arriving in Sydney for the beginning of WYD 2008.

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses." Acts 1:8

The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will be sending a delegation to journey with pilgrims from across the globe. Stay tuned for more information on our diocesan plans for WYD 2008.