Organisers of World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) opened exhibitor applications for the Vocations Expo to be held in Sydney during the World Youth Day week of events, 15 - 20 July 2008.

WYD08 will offer a Vocations Expo that is a dynamic exhibition and discussion space exploring all vocational states of life including priesthood, marriage, family and the laity, and the call to holiness of religious and consecrated life.

The Vocations Expo is a central component to each World Youth Day, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about religious vocations within the Catholic Church.

It offers exhibitors a perfect opportunity to engage with young adults that are dedicated to their faith.

Exhibitor applications opened today, via the WYD08 website: www.wyd2008.org/vocations .

"The Vocations Expo is a vital element of World Youth Day 2008," said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, World Youth Day 2008 Coordinator.

"With up to 500,000 young people on a pilgrimage to witness their faith, we want to ensure that their questions about vocations will be answered.

"The various states of vocational life in the Church - priesthood, religious life and the different lay vocations - will be there to explore the many religious orders, congregations, church agencies and communities exhibiting in the Vocations Expo. Demand to participate is very strong," he said.

Around 500,000 people are expected to take part when Sydney hosts the 23rd World Youth Day from 15-20 July 2008. The event will also mark the first visit to Australia by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.