Continuing the work of his predecessor, the Great John Paul II, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI invited the youth of the Church to gather together to celebrate their faith, to stand as a light in the darkness, and to give glory to God.  World Youth Day 2008 took place in Sydney, Australia, under the protection of Our Lady of the Southern Cross.  400,000 people gathered for the closing Mass, including ten seminarians connected to St. John Vianney College Seminary. 

            In attendance at the activities of World Youth Day were:  From the Archdiocese of Miami - Javier Barreto and Bryan Garcia; from the Diocese of St. Petersburg - Victor Amorose, Viet Nguyen, Jonathan Stephanz, and Jackson Reeves; and from the Diocese of Orlando - Dominic Buckely, Peter Dionne, Benjamin Lehnertz, and A.J. Castro.  The entire community joined together in prayer throughout the days associated with World Youth Day. 

        The seminarians experience a wide variety of cultural and ecclesial richness.  From their “Days in the Diocese” seeing kangaroo, koala, and vegemite sandwiches, to working a Vocation’s Booth, to catechetical sessions, concerts with the likes of Matt Maher, and pilgrim walks with thousands of people, our youth joined together in praise and worship. 

 

          They stood next to Peter, the rock upon which the Church has been built.  They gathered with him in the Cathedral of Syndney, where they prayed before the body of Blessed Pier Giorgio, an awesome example of holiness as wholeness, fun, prayer and community.  They saw the Holy Father dedicate an altar.   They heard him instruct them to lift up their hearts so that they might become “living altars, where Christ’s sacrificial love is made present as an inspiration and a source of spiritual nourishment to everyone” they meet. 

   

                  

              

            

                 At the center of the entire gathering was Christ, the Lord -  Christ, our High Priest, who calls us to holiness.  With the Holy Father presiding, our seminarians worshiped the Eucharist in adoration and benediction.  With the Holy Father presiding, they participated in a celebration of the Sunday Eucharist with 400,000 in attendance.  And by the Holy Father, they were sent forth to share with others they joy they had experienced in communion with each other and with the Lord. 

              We pray that the message they bring back to this house will inspire others.  We pray also, that many more will be inspired to sincerely contemplate God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.