Archbishop-Host of World Youth Day 2013 invites joy in preparations
(April 25, 2012) Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro said the youth
of Brazil are energetically preparing for the 2013 World Youth Day, WYD, particularly
with prayer for the fruits and graces of the event. The 61-year-old archbishop referred
to various initiatives under way, including the pilgrimage of the Youth Day cross.
The prelate said that beginning in July this year, registration for the WYD will
open and they will begin to prepare all young people in a more organic way, with the
union of all the dioceses, concentrating on what has been done and on what is yet
to come. He said that Rio is holding Vigils of Prayer with young people and invited
everyone to do the same. Archbishop Tempesta confirmed that the nation's bishops are
very much involved in the preparations. In a special message for potential pilgrims,
Archbishop Tempesta said "Young people of the whole world, Rio de Janeiro is awaiting
you, just like Christ the Redeemer, with open arms! May everyone come with a spirit
of pilgrimage and popular celebration for an experience of Christ, together with
Pope Benedict XVI in the WYD of Rio de Janeiro from July 23-28, 2013!"