Bishop Anthony Fisher Meeting With WYD Madrid Organisers

Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
23 Sep 2009

A little more than 12 months on and Bishop Anthony Fisher OP is already preparing for another World Youth Day.

Not in an official co-ordinating role but as advisor to Madrid organisers and to Australian pilgrims.

Having just arrived in Madrid, Bishop Anthony is there to provide support and advice to the organisers of World Youth Day 2011 (WYD11).

During his time there he will also have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Spanish organising team's plans for international pilgrims. This will aid the planning for Australian pilgrims.

At the same time Bishop Anthony is also chairing the Archdiocese of Sydney WYD11 Committee which promotes the attendance of as many Sydney pilgrims as possible to Madrid and their pastoral preparation and leadership.

The committee compromises representation of priests, Catholic schools, Catholic students in non-Catholic Schools, university chaplaincies, Catholic Communications, Catholic Youth Services and Harvest Pilgrimages.

When asked how and why the committee came into being, Bishop Anthony explained "Cardinal Pell recently asked me to organise a committee to prepare for the Archdiocese of Sydney's involvement in World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid.

"Building upon the momentum of WYD08 in Sydney, I think we can project a high level of interest amongst Sydney's youth in attending Madrid.

"This presents a great evangelical and pastoral opportunity for us," he said.

Just recently in Madrid (on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross) the preparations were officially launched with the beginning of the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon through the Archdiocese of Madrid.

The organising committee has already approved the official logo and theme song.

The theme for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid was also announced earlier this year by the Holy Father:"Planted and built Up in Jesus Christ. Firm in the Faith". (cf Col 2:7)

The Archdiocese of Sydney WYD11 Committee has undertaken to focus early planning towards the elements Of itineraries and the accompanying Pastoral Preparation Programme.

For more information about being part of the pilgrimage to Madrid for WYD11 go to: www.iActiv8.com