Cardinal George Pell made his appeal through the Fides news agency, saying that World Youth Day is not just a multicultural encounter, or a chance to make new friends. It is, the cardinal said, above all a moment of conversion and encounter with God, living the experience of sharing, and announcing the good news.
He cautioned against getting caught up in practical preparations and organizational challenges.
"The most important challenge is the spiritual preparation," by way of prayer and sacraments, the cardinal said.
"One of the blessings we will receive from World Youth Day," the cardinal affirmed, "is that it will give us the one true God, remind us of the teaching of Christ, the only Son of God, and it will bring spiritual values onto the public scene."
ZE07100405 - 2007-10-04