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Monday, July 21, 2008

WITNESSING AT FIRST HAND THE JOY OF FAITH

VATICAN CITY, 21 JUL 2008 (VIS) - This morning, having left Cathedral House, the Holy Father travelled to The Domain, a park in Sydney, to greet the 12,000 volunteers who had helped to organise and run the 23rd World Youth Day.

  "During these days", he told them in his address, "we have been able to witness at first hand the joy that so many thousands of young people find in their faith, and we have been able to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness to us. We have had a taste of the warmth and generosity of Australian hospitality, and we have glimpsed something of the glorious scenery of this beautiful continent. It has truly been a week to remember".

  "I want to thank all of you for the generous commitment of time and energy you have made, in order to ensure the smooth running of each of the events we have celebrated together. ... Your efforts have prepared the ground for the Spirit to come down in power, forging bonds of unity and friendship among young people from widely differing backgrounds, and rekindling their love for Jesus Christ and His Church. In the crowds that have assembled here in Sydney we have seen a vivid expression of the unity-in-diversity of the universal Church, a vision in microcosm of the united human family that we long to see. In the power of the Spirit, may these young people make that vision a reality in the world of tomorrow".

  "As I set off on my journey back to Rome", the Pope continued, "I shall treasure the memory of the many grace-filled events we have experienced together".

  "I pray that you too will take many precious memories and spiritual insights away with you, and will return to your homes and families with fresh zeal to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the power of the Spirit, go forth now to renew the face of the earth!"

  Having concluded his brief remarks, the Holy Father was taken by car to the international airport of Sydney where political, civil and religious authorities were waiting to greet him before his return journey to Rome.
PV-AUSTRALIA/VOLUNTEERS/SYDNEY                    VIS 20080721 (380)


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