The Diocesan delegation to World Youth Day 2008 arrived in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday to a warm welcome from St. Paul's parish, our host parish in Sunshine West, Victoria.    The delegation of 19 pilgrims from the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie left late Monday evening the 7th of July to begin a 47 hour trek to Australia to attend the 23rd World Youth Day in Sydney.  As a preample to World Youth Day the Diocesan delegation is attending Days in the Diocese in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. 

Days in the Diocese is a WYD sponsored event that allows the host country for WYD to welcome pilgrims from around the world into its various diocese.  This experience allows young people to enjoy the culture of region on a smaller scale in preparation for the World Youth Day event.   The Diocesan delegation chose to travel to Melbourne to enjoy Days in the Diocese with the Archdiocese of Melbourne.  

Over the next 13 days pilgrims will be sharing our experiences of this great pilgrimage of faith.  We hope to send home our reflections of WYD and witness to the power of the gospel.  Recognizing in this universal faith experience the magnitude of Christ. Join our pilgrims as we unite countries in the name of Christ. 

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