” “Subsidies to dioceses, parish churches and groups, as well as music and art ‘on the road’, pilgrimages and new technology, this and much more has been planned for "Activ8", the national pastoral pan for the young Australians who are getting ready for the World Youth Day of Sidney, due to take place in the Australian city from July 15th to 20th 2008. The slogan refers to the topic chosen by Benedict XVI, "You will draw strength from the Holy Spirit, which will descend upon you, and you will be my witnesses", from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1, verse 8, hence "Activ8". On next July 15th it will be two years from the long-awaited event: "two years to go", says a note from the Organising Committee that published today the contents of the pastoral plan. According to mgr. Anthony Fisher, the bishop who coordinates the WYD 2008, "the Day is an extraordinary gift to the Church in Australia. To get ready in the best possible way, in the next two years we will work hard in our dioceses, parish churches, groups, schools and homes". The preparatory journey includes three steps, communication, education and participation, so as to let young people come from all over Australia. As to this, the Organising Committee expects about half a million people will come, about 100 thousand from abroad. (to be continued)” ” ” “
