Themes Announced for Youth Day Catechesis

Bishops to Guide Youth in Studying Holy Spirit and Mission

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SYDNEY, Australia, MARCH 16, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Pontifical Council for the Laity determined the themes for World Youth Day's catechesis sessions, which will focus on the Holy Spirit and missions.

Organizers of the July 15-20 youth event announced the Vatican's choices for the three days of catechesis, to be led by bishops from around the world in over 300 locations in Sydney.

On Wednesday, July 16, bishops will guide youth in learning about the call to live in the Holy Spirit, drawing from Galatians 5:25. The following day, youth will consider the Holy Spirit as the soul of the Church, as explained in 1 Corinthians 12:13. Friday, July 18, will be focused on the theme of World Youth Day, taken from Acts 1:8. That day's catechesis will highlight the Holy Spirit as the principal agent of mission.

"Catechesis represents the spiritual heart of World Youth Day, when young people from various backgrounds and circumstances unite to listen, reflect, discuss and pray in harmony," said Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, coordinator of World Youth Day '08.

"I encourage all pilgrims who are attending WYD08 to begin reflecting on the catechesis themes now," he said, "so that come July, they are spiritually prepared to witness the Spirit and gain as much as they can from their WYD08 experience."

Benedict XVI is scheduled to participate in World Youth Day; it will be the Pope's first trip to Oceania.