World Youth Day News!

Pope welcomes World Youth Day pilgrims in video message


"Referencing the theme of World Youth Day, 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you will be my witnesses' (Acts 1:8), Pope Benedict said: 'How much our world needs a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit! There are still many who have not heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, while many others, for whatever reason, have not recognized in this Good News the saving truth that alone can satisfy the deepest longings of their hearts.'

Cardinal Pell celebrates World Youth Day Opening Mass with over 140,000

"Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd greeted pilgrims prior to the Mass, in several different languages. 'You are here for this great celebration of life, this great celebration of faith and this great celebration of hope,' said the Australian Prime Minister. "For this you are so much the light of the world at a time when the world has so much darkness.'

Cardinal Pell presided over the opening Mass, which was the largest Mass to be hosted in Australia’s history, with 26 Cardinals, 400 bishops and approximately 4,000 priests.
In his homily Cardinal Pell called all to listen to Christ’s message saying, 'Christ’s call is to all who are suffering, not just Catholics or other Christians, but especially to those without religion. Christ is calling you home; to love, healing and community.'”

GO SALESIANS!

Salesian selected to be at Pope's boat-a-cade arrival

"Salesian Sister MaryAnn Schaefer, admissions director at Mary Help of Christian Academy in North Haledon, NJ, couldn't dream of a better place to celebrate her 25th jubilee as a religious sister than at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia."

AND I LOVE THIS:

Pope's smitten with a kitten

"Of all Pope Benedict's loyal followers in Australia, little Bella has every right to feel like the cat that got the cream. The 11-month-old grey tabby kitten has been brought in to make the pontiff feel at home during his three-day stay at Kenthurst in NSW."

h/t Faithful Rebel

EWTN has full coverage.

The World Youth Day site is here