Pilgrims have been asked to learn the 10 stories of the Patron Saints of World Youth Day. They are asked to pray and meditate on the extraordinary examples of grace.
Ten saints are the official patrons for WYD08. Selected by the organisers for approval by the Vatican, their experience of faith will speak directly to the young. They were selected from saints, those waiting to become saints, and those who were of particular influence on Australia's and Oceania's history.
Pilgrims are asked to learn these stories, about ordinary people who have achieved remarkable and extraordinary things.
St Thérèse of Lisieux. 1 October. The youngest known teacher of the church. She was a "Doctor" by the age of 24. She exemplified fruitful witness lived out from Christ's power. She remained a trusting child before God. "Simple acts of charity and trust affirm that "only love counts". Pilgrims ask her for the grace to surrender to the Providence of God, relying on His Power in their 'smallness'.
St Faustina Kowalska. 5 October. A Polish Nun who died at 33, yet her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, is a modern spiritual classic, carrying a magnificent message for WYD08 pilgrims. She exemplifies how to exercise the Spirit's gift of knowledge. Pilgrims ask her for the grace to be able to pray sincerely the words 'Jesus I Trust in You.'
St Maria Goretti. 6 July. An Italian teenager who refused to compromise her sexual purity. Her murderers were present at her canonisation. Though only young, St Maria Goretti exhibited the gifts of right judgement and fear of the Lord. Pilgrims pray to this young girl for the grace to live modestly, with pure affection and love in your relationships.
St Peter Chanel. 28th April. A French missionary priest and "proto martyr of Oceania." He encourages people to be Jesus' "witnesses to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). He exemplifies a life of the Spirit's gifts of courage and fruit of kindness, as required of all young people, but especially young priests. Pilgrims pray for zeal and wisdom to play your part in the new evangelisation.
Peter To Rot. 17th July. A married layman, a native of Papua New Guinea and father of three. He was martyred "for the faith" in a Japanese concentration camp, aged only 33. He exemplified the spiritual fruit of generosity, spreading the Gospel through teaching and prayer. Pilgrims pray for the Holy Spirit's gifts of understanding and reverence,
Blessed Mary MacKillop. 8th August, Australia's first saint, was a servant to the poor and uneducated. She exemplified openness to the Holy Spirit, exercising the fruits of goodness, charity and self control in the face of many obstacles. Pilgrims ask her for the grace to receive and respond to the power of God's holiness in the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. 1901-1925. Much loved by the young people of the world for his dynamic personality and commitment to charity in love for Jesus. A layman who lived only to be 24. Pilgrims pray to discover their vocation in Christ
St Teresa of Calcutta. 5th September. She served people abandoned by society. Mother Teresa put love into action, while patiently enduring a very long trial of faith. Pilgrims can ask her for eyes to see Jesus in each person, to protect the dignity of each person from conception to natural death.
Blessed John Paul II. 1920 2005. This Pope entrusted the Cross and the Icon of Our Lady to the youth of the world. He had faith, trust and hope in young people, He asks us to repay good for evil, and in so doing choose life. Pilgrims come to him to know the truth, and to be set free.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross. 24th May. Mother and virgin, she is the Patroness of Australia, under the title "Help of Christians." Under the title of 'Our Lady of the Southern Cross' she is patron of the Australian Diocese of Toowoomba and of WYD08. Pilgrims pray for transformation of each one of us and the world.
The copyright of the article Patron Saints for World Youth Day in Catholic Saints is owned by Jo Murphy. Permission to republish Patron Saints for World Youth Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
