(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.