ASIA/SINGAPORE - Youth preparing for WYD

Singapore City (Agenzia Fides) - There is a group of about 100 young pilgrims from among Singapore’s Catholic community that will attend World Youth Day in Sydney this year. As they are in need of material and spiritual preparation, the local Catholic leaders of Youth Ministry in recent months have been making every effort to respond to all the demands of the trip: from logistics to the more formative and spiritual aspects, with preparatory catechesis and prayer, so that every young pilgrim can arrive in Sydney with the right spirit, that of a true pilgrim who is ready for an experience of coming into communion with God and with his brothers.
There was recently an encounter held in the Church of the Risen Christ, in the Archdiocese of Singapore, during which the youth participated in Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Penance, and the chance to share their questions and uncertainties, as well as their enthusiasm for participating in the upcoming historic event.
The preparatory encounters of the Youth Ministry groups will continue in the upcoming months, offering new spiritual reflections and moments of intense prayer. They will conclude with a solemn Mass with a “missionary sending” on June 21, presided by Archbishop Nicholas Chia of Singapore, who will bless the youth as they leave for Sydney. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/4/2008; righe 18, parole 215)