We publish SIR’s third daily comment on the 23rd WYD
How will the "great unknown" that Benedict XVI recalls in his message to youth for WYD 2008 react during the days in Sydney? In a society that recognizes only those who have papers in order and properly stamped documents how will it be possible to recognize a "sans papiers" such as the Holy Spirit? The Pope has a fine courage to provoke especially the young to this invisible presence, to confront them with questions that are posed in no school, in no university, in no public exam, in no job interview. So who is the "great unknown" that is the guest of honour just today on official opening of World Youth Day? How will the youth of Australian Sydney and of the thousand Sydneys lit up throughout the world respond? Once again it is Benedict XVI who proposes the answer by recalling to our mind the apostles who were in the Cenacle, by reminding us in particular of that agitator and agitated man called Paul whose bimillenary is being celebrated this year and, lastly, by indicating those who have followed, and continue to follow, in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth in their everyday life. Men and women who in the course of history have encountered the "great unknown", a presence that has disturbed consciences, and that feels at his ease with those mendicants of truth who never cease asking questions, or seeking answers that do not disappoint. Like the youth of WYD that begins today!
