World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) will provide specially designed vestments for the world's Cardinals, Bishops, priests and deacons to wear during the week-long event in July.

The 700 specially designed chasubles - the outer garment that covers the celebrant from the neck down - will be produced for Cardinals and Bishops celebrating the Opening Mass and the Final Mass.

Around 3000 stoles - the strip of cloth worn around the neck that hangs down past the waist - are being produced for priests and deacons to use throughout the WYD08 week.

"The vestments are an earthy red colour to reflect Australia's unique landscape," said Fr Peter Williams, WYD08 Director of Liturgy.

"They feature the Southern Cross on the front, signifying Australia as the Great Southern Land of the Holy Spirit.

"This is reinforced by the indigenous image on the back of the chasuble - Marjorie's Bird - also representing the Holy Spirit."

Father Williams said it was the first time His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will visit Australia and the first time that a World Youth Day will be held here.

"We want to ensure we reflect our unique landscape, history and cultural influences when the international spotlight is on Sydney for this great event."

Marjorie's Bird was created by indigenous artist Marjorie Liddy from the Tiwi Islands in Northern Territory.

Both sets of vestments were designed by Melbourne firm Stuart Pettigrew Design and Sr Rosemary Crumlin RSM.

The vestments are currently being produced in Bergamo, northern Italy by Solivari, a company specialising in liturgical vestments.

Only 125 days to go to WYD08!