The WYD08 theme is: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses."Acts 1:8

The idea of WYD is from the late Pope John Paul II. In 1983/84 the Catholic Church celebrated the so called "Holy Year" in remembrance of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The pope invited young people from all over the world to celebrate Palm Sunday in Rome with him. The responsible was incredible!

Impressed by that experience he invited young people to Rome again on Palm Sunday in 1985, the year which was proclaimed as "Year of Youth" by the UN.

The Pope decided to start an annual meeting of young people in 1985. Every 2nd year there was to be a central meeting in different places all over the world.

Pope Benedict XVI has continued this pilgrimage of meeting young people. Young people from an increasing number of nations come together, united around the Pope, listening to the Word of God and participating in a festival of joy.

The first World Youth Day was in 1986, and the XXII World Youth Day will take place in 2008 in Sydney.

World Youth Day will be opened by a Ceremony presided over by Cardinal Pell of Sydney on 15th July 2008. On Thursday 17th Australia will welcome Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney. Each day there will be a catechesis session for young people, which takes place in local parish Churches and other civic venues.

On Friday 18th there will be a re-enactment of the Way of the Cross through the streets of Sydney. Saturday 19 will be the pilgrimage walk to the Vigil and Papal Mass. The route will cross many of the bridges of Sydney harbour. After a sleep out under the stars, young people will participate at the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict on Sunday 20th July.

Youthcom regularly participate in World Youth Day events. It is hoped to participate in Sydney in July 2008. So far final costs have not been finalised. However, it is thought that the pilgrimage will last approximately 12 - 15 days. Participants will have to be at least 18 years of age on the date of departure. While final costs are yet to be decided, it is thought that the pilgrimage will cost at least £1500 per person. If you are interested, and would like to be kept informed of our plans, then please let us know by e-mail at info@youthcom.org .