(From our correspondents in Australia) It’s a dream come true: for 410 youth from the Solomon Islands participation in World Youth Day is an important step. This is reported by the Fides press agency which speaks of the last preparatory seminar for WYD, held for the young pilgrims by the Most Rev. Adrian Smith, Archbishop of Honiara, who will accompany the delegation from the Solomon Isles to Sydney. The youngsters have gone through a period of preparation for over a year. They have also established twinning arrangements with Australian youth. During the recent preparatory seminar, consisting of four days of spiritual preparation, the Archbishop reminded the youth from the Solomon Isles of the example of St. Paul, encouraging them to seek the Kingdom of God, and inviting them to become evangelisers like the Apostle of the Gentiles. The exemplary figures that they have been able to get to know better during the seminar included St. Maria Goretti and the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, among the patrons of WYD. For all those who will not be able to participate directly in the event, WYD will also be celebrated in the various dioceses, following the meetings on TV. Activities include celebrations and meetings with families; festivals of sport, culture and music; prayers and visits to churches; and days devoted to social service. After WYD, moreover, meetings of testimony will also be held with the involvement of the young participants on their return home from Sydney.
