(From our correspondents in Sydney) The opening celebration of WYD at Barangaroo yesterday evening, with the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, was also animated by a group of 95 youth from the islands of Samoa, from the diocese of Tokelau. "For us Father Leone Iosefo, who is accompanying them, explained to SIR it’s important to be here together with young Christians from all over the world. We would never have been able to imagine participating in this event had it been held in Europe rather than Australia". The Samoan youngsters did not have to pay for their travel costs and were able to arrive in Sydney thanks to the solidarity fund set up with the donations of pilgrims; the fund was also used to help other youngsters from the small states of the Pacific to travel to Sydney. The Samoans, who have prepared for this event for two years, performed a dance exemplifying their cultural tradition, wearing their typical local dresses and with wreaths of flowers in their hair. "Yesterday evening we wanted to show our gratitude with our hearts full of affection and solidarity".
