2012-09-05 16:14:09

World prepares for upcoming Youth Day in Rio


(Sept. 05, 2012) A 12-foot replica of “Christ the Redeemer” statue of Brazil has been touring Europe as preparations for next year’s World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro are under way. In France, the replica received a blessing from the auxiliary bishop of Paris in a Mass attended by several religious authorities from both France and Brazil. The replica has toured Madrid and the Vatican and is scheduled to make stops in Portugal, Canada, Japan and Mozambique. Each city will receive a replica, which is meant as a symbol of peace and as a reminder of the upcoming World Youth Day. Fr. Omar Raposo, rector of the Shrine of Christ the Redeemer and the director of logistics of the Rio 2013 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), has accompanied the replica during its European tour. Commenting on the significance of the statue Fr.Raposo said "Christ is not only a receiver of all tourists and pilgrims, but with open arms goes to meet other cultures and countries, showing that Rio is open and welcoming." The tour of the statue comes as registration for WYD in Rio de Janeiro was officially opened in Brazil last Tuesday. Over 4,000 youth confirmed their participation in the first 24 hours of the registration’s opening. Sr. Shaiane Machado, director of enrollment for WYD 2013 said the first participants are young people from 28 countries, including Brazil. She added that the very first to be registered, however, on the morning of Aug. 28 was Pope Benedict XVI.
Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro said that registration is an "important step in the realization of the event." "The World Day is an investment in the youth, for the construction of more humane values and greater solidarity to make a difference in society, and the Church is called to remain united in this building." the archbishop said.








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