Sydney's Cook and Phillip Park was transformed into an outdoor concert-style space today as 3,000 people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday and share their excitement in the lead up to World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08).

The event - called "Activate 08" - was hosted by the World Youth Day Sydney Archdiocese Committee (WYSAC) to mark the first day of Holy Week.

A highlight of the event was Australian cricket star Matthew Hayden, whose personal message for those hoping to attend WYD08 in July aired on a large outdoor screen.

The crowd also enjoyed musical performances from Christian Korean rap group TMJ; 16 year-old Five Dock singer Lucia Tomillo; and pop artist Gary Pinto, who co-wrote the WYD08 theme song, Receive the Power.

Bishop Julian Porteous, Episcopal Vicar for Renewal and Evangelisation, addressed the young attendees, amidst a jam-packed program featuring a Welcome to Country by aboriginal students; inspirational talks, WYD08 stalls, and Reconciliation and Adoration opportunities.

"Sydney Archdiocese is thrilled that so many young people have gathered to share their faith and begin their preparation for the arrival of the Holy Father at World Youth Day in July," said Bishop Julian Porteous.

"We hope that today's participants take away a sense of peace and joy, and carry that message through to their local communities to invigorate their preparatory efforts in the months to come."

The afternoon's festivities were followed by a Palm Sunday Youth Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell at St Mary's Cathedral.

During the Mass, Cardinal Pell addressed around 500 WYD08 Pilgrim Group Leaders from the Sydney Archdiocese.

Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15 - 20 July this year. Organised by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 will mark the first visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Only 121 days to go to WYD08!