Aitape Star caught up with Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Sr. Francesca Nama mfic, for the latest updates of the 2008 World Youth Day (WYD) which is scheduled to be held in Sydney, Australia.

She reported that in terms of travel arrangements, the participants from the diocese will be departing Aitape to Wewak by car on Friday 4th July at midnight. On Saturday they will be going to Madang by ship, arriving on Sunday morning. After a night's stay in Madang, all will depart for Port Moresby on Monday 7th July and transit for Australia.

One week before the actual Sydney rally, the participants will spend some time in Townsville with the youths and parisheners there for some activities. This stay in Townsville is also part of the standing agreement between the Diocese of Aitape and the Diocese of Townsville which will engage the youths in an ongoing exchange program occurring annually.

Before embarking on the pilgrimage, there will be a two week preparation for the participants while still in Aitape, which will target on their spiritual weaknesses, conducted in retreats, prayer sessions and topics such as 'Life in the spirit'. As well as that, there will be practices for WYD liturgies.

Sr. Francesca also took the opportunity to thank the following people from the Diocese of Aitape such as Bishop Austen Crapp ofm, and Bishop Otto Separy, the helpful staff of the Finance and Administration office, the religious for their prayers and the parental and group sponsors for their support, and the youths themselves for their perseverance in making it possible for them to be a part of this world event.

She also thanked Air Niugini management for their support and sponsorship in dontating t-shirts and giving discounts on flight fares, Bishop Tony Burgess (Diocese of Wewak) and Fr. Nick de Groot with CBC staff for their patience, time and efforts.