Over 200 000 pilgrims expected to visit Sydney in 2008

[sillydoll]

World Youth Day ’08 numbers top 80,000 in early registrations

More than 80,000 pilgrims are now numbered among those groups registered to attend the World Youth Day Sydney 2008, according to organizers of the 23rd annual event. We are delighted with the current numbers," said Danny Casey, chief operating officer of World Youth Day Sydney 2008. Organizers said that an Australian milestone has been reached with the first 20,000 pilgrims from the host nation now expected, based on the 240 groups who have registered.
Australian registrations come a close second those from the United States, with nearly 27,000 pilgrims expected from more than 400 registered groups. France, Germany and Venezuela round out the top five nations, in terms of expected registered pilgrims to date.

World Youth Day was first held in Rome in 1986. World Youth Day has since been held in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1987), Santiago de Compostela, Spain (1989), Czestochowa, Poland (1991), Denver, Colo. in the United States (1993), Manila, Philippines (1995), Paris (1997), Rome (2000 Jubilee), Toronto, Canada (2002), and Cologne, Germany (2005).

Sydney will host World Youth Day from July 15-20, 2008. The event is scheduled to be the first visit to Australia by Pope Benedict XVI.

 

[Magnara]

There is a "gateway" sign over one of the doors of St Mary's cathedral in Sydney with a daily countdown to this event. Hmm, how to walk there (for pilgrims from overseas) ha ha. And for me, I could get my compostela by walking five minutes up the hill from my home!

 

[Anonymous]

France, Germany and Venezuela round out the top five nations, in terms of expected registered pilgrims to date.

Interesting, Venezuela, wonder how that happened? Best, xm 8)