The official World Youth Day program contains a week-long program of events, and in the year and week prior, a number of lead-up events.

The Journey of the Cross & Icon is the major lead up event for World Youth Day 2008. The Journey commenced on 1 July 2008 and will continue through until 15 July 2008. You can follow the journey on our website, by checking the itinerary, reading the blog and checking the photo gallery.

From Thursday 10 to Monday 14 July, dioceses in Australia will host pilgrims for Days in the Diocese . The Youth of the world to join local communities in prayer and celebration, to experience Australia beyond Sydney, to help renew the Church in the places they visit, as well as to receive Australian hospitality.

Below is a snapshot of the WYD08 week. Please click on the relevant section for more information on each event. As the event draws closer, we will include further information on how you can participate in the events.

Tuesday 15 July 2008

• Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell: 4.30-6.30pm at Barangaroo
• Youth Festival events : 2 - 10pm (except during Opening Mass) at Sydney CBD locations.

Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 July 2008

• Catechesis (teaching) sessions: 9.00am-12.00pm OR 10.00am-1.00pm at over 250 locations across Sydney
• Youth Festival events : 2-10pm at Sydney CBD locations.

Thursday 17 July 2008

• Catechesis (teaching) sessions: 9.00am-12.00pm OR 10.00am-1.00pm at over 250 locations across Sydney
• Papal Arrival via Boat-a-cade and welcome of the Pope on Sydney Harbour. Commences at 2.45pm on Sydney Harbour and at Barangaroo
• Youth Festival events : 2 - 10pm (except during Papal Arrival) at Sydney CBD locations.

Friday 18 July 2008

• Catechesis (teaching) sessions: 9.00am-12.00pm OR 10.00am-1.00pm at over 250 locations across Sydney
• Stations of the Cross : a re-enactment of the last moments of Jesus' life: 3-6pm at St Mary?s Cathedral, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Domain
• Youth Festival events : 2 - 10pm (except during Stations of the Cross) at Sydney CBD locations.

Saturday 19 July 2008

• Pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Randwick Racecourse: 5.30am starting at Sydney Harbour Bridge through city to Southern Cross Precinct
• Evening Vigil with the Pope and sleep out 'under the stars': 7.00pm-9.00pm at Randwick Racecourse

Sunday 20 July 2008

• Papal motorcade commencing in Centennial Park at 9am.
• Final Mass celebrated by the Pope: 10am at Southern Cross Precinct, Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park
• Announcement of next host city: 12.15pm
• Youth Festival events : 12.30-5pm at Southern Cross Precinct, Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park