Portland, Maine, Jul 14, 2008 / 14:14 pm
Bishop Richard Malone has been selected to be among those leading English-speaking youth in prayer and reflection during World Youth Day 2008. About 225,000 pilgrims are registered to attend World Youth Day which is being held in Sydney, Australia from July 15-20. It is the custom to begin this world meeting with three days of daily catechesis (religious instruction) guided by bishops.
Bishop Malone will also preside and be the homilist at the Masses following the catechesis. The three days of teachings are centered on the Holy Spirit, specifically that we are called to live in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit, soul of the Church; and the Holy Spirit sent out into the world as the principal agent of mission.
World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world. It brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith. This event will mark the first visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.
Maine has a delegation of 51 individuals (youth and chaperones) from Fort Kent to Wells planning to make the trip. Organizers expect 125,000 international visitors to the event, and up to a half million people are expected to attend the final Mass. The four official languages for World Youth Day 2008 are English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Printed with permission from the Diocese of Portland, Maine.