(from our correspondents from Australia) – "We have been working hard for three years, and now the time has come to reap the fruits. Melbourne, Sydney and all Australia will come out the richer because of the faith of these young people". It was said to SIR by mgr. Christopher Prowse, auxiliary bishop of Melbourne, who opened today, in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick’s, the "Days in the Dioceses", an event leading up to the opening of the official schedule of the WYD, due to take place from 15th to 20th July in Sydney. Melbourne organised (10-14 July) a number of events for the 25 thousand young people who have chosen the capital of the state of Victoria for these days. In these hours, the pilgrim reception centre is full of young people queuing up to enquire about accommodation, meals and transport. They are received by the bishop himself: "we have pinned all our hopes on this WYD stated mgr. Prowse to give back strength and conscience to our young people. The young are bound to be the witnesses of the Church of the future all over the world; their strength must not go lost. Melbourne will be awakened by the WYD". The official opening of the Days in the Dioceses in Melbourne will be held tomorrow, under the guidance of the archbishop, mgr. Denis J. Hart: the figures give an idea of the efforts made by the archdiocese: 4 cardinals, one thousand bishops, one thousand priests, 300 special ministers of the Eucharist, assisted by 650 volunteers, will be there.
