World Youth Day (WYD) is by far the largest youth event in the world and is held by a host country every two to three years. This year the WYD 2008 event host is Sydney, Australia and it is expected that up to 225,000 young people from within Australia and around the globe will attend. The event starts on Tuesday 15th of July and ends on Sunday 20 July. This year will also see the first ever visit to Australia by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.



In 1986 Pope John Paul II established the first World Youth Day so that Catholic youth from across the globe could come together in celebration of their faith. WYD provides young catholics the opportunity to further their knowledge about their faith as well meet others and learn.

Governments and cultures have differing opinions as to what age a person is classified as a youth. The period between fifteen to twenty four is what the United Nations define as youth. Teenagers, young persons or adolescents are all terms used to describe youth. Some would argue that maturity of mind and spirit is a personal thing and as such a person should not be defined as such.

Young people face new challenges as they develop during their youth. Not only do they leave behind the ways of childhood and learn the ways of adults but there are also physiological changes they must deal with. In most cases family and friends will help and support them during this period. Events like WYD2008 go a long way in helping young people as it provides the opportunity to meet their peers and discus common issues.

While much emphasis is given to the problems of youth in many societies not enough is said about the contributions that youth offer society. Youth have the ability to adapt to changes very quickly and often lead the way with forward thinking. Given encouragement and support youth have the ability to change the world and make it a better place for us all. We should put as much faith as we can into our youth as are our future.

The home is a child's first place of learning and while there is no guarantee that a well taught child will become a valued member of society, it is incumbent on parents to do their best for them. As the child moves into youth their is no less responsibility for parents. It is in youth where others outside of the home start to have a real influence . The people may be friends,teachers or anyone for that matter. As long as these relationships are supportive and the influences positive our youth will flourish.

The 2008 Sydney World Youth Day event gives out youth the chance to show the world that together will God's blessing they are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. The opportunity for pilgrims to gather together as one and give thanks to God should not be missed.