The Catholic Bishops of Australia this week gave a resounding endorsement to the plans and preparations for the forthcoming World Youth Day celebrations.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) is currently in session for its bi-annual meeting and were fully briefed on progress regarding World Youth Day.

"We have all been delighted by the engagement of the Church throughout Australia, especially our young people, as well as the wider community, in the pastoral preparations for World Youth Day," said Archbishop Philip Wilson, President of the ACBC. "The Journey of the World Youth Day Cross, Icon and Indigenous Message Stick have drawn extraordinary crowds and been a very moving experience for those who have attended them."

"The progress of the World Youth Day Cross around our country has been a premonition of the extraordinary grace that is to come this July when the youth of the world and the Holy Father, gather with the Australian Church and community for the celebrations in Sydney," he said.

"The briefings we received this week confirmed our confidence that the work of the World Youth Day team - in collaboration with all levels of Church, government and business - will yield much fruit in the lives of the young pilgrims and in the renewal of our Church and community," the Archbishop said.

"The Bishops of Australia look forward to welcoming the Holy Father and the young people of the world in July. We call on all Australian youth to register now as pilgrims so they can take part in this wonderful celebration. We also invite people to share in the joy of this occasion by becoming World Youth Day volunteers, offering hospitality through the HomeStay programme, and attending the public events such as the Final Mass."

The ACBC comprises the archbishops, bishops and auxiliary bishops of Australia's 28 geographical dioceses, the military diocese, and the four Eastern Rite dioceses. Representative leaders of religious institutes, as well as the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, were also in attendance at this week's meeting.

Archbishop Lazzarotto commented on the excitement of the Holy Father about coming to WYD in Sydney and praised "the extraordinary efforts you are all making to prepare for his visit and for the celebration of the World Youth Day."

Only 69 days to go to WYD08!