Dear Friends,

The historic visit of the World Youth Day Cross to the Archdiocese of Adelaide in November 2007 captured the imaginations of thousands of South Australians – young and old.

For many, sharing in the Cross’ year-long pilgrimage across the nation has been an important step towards Sydney in July.

The Archdiocese is now preparing to welcome thousands of international pilgrims to Adelaide to join in this significant journey of hope and faith.
It is with great pleasure that we will open our hearts, homes and minds to our overseas friends during Days in the Diocese from Monday, July 7 to Thursday, July 10, 2008.

Through concerts, festivals and other special events, we will offer meaningful and spiritual experiences of faith and community and help pilgrims prepare for all they will encounter at World Youth Day.

We are a Church of many cultures in South Australia and we look forward to this diversity being enriched and strengthened by the presence of so many faces from around the world.

World Youth Day gives us all the opportunity to be reminded of the universality of the Church family and our common connection. My own pilgrimages to global celebrations in Paris and Cologne have taught me this and also left indelible memories that I will carry forever.

World Youth Day is cross generational and can profoundly influence your life and ability to witness faith in the modern world.

A cultural exchange in the context of faith, Days in the Diocese presents a unique opportunity for renewal and building life-long friendships and promises to be a time of grace for us all.

Sincerely in Christ,


Most Reverend Philip Wilson DD JCL
Archbishop of Adelaide