Regular contacts are continuing between the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Brazilian Organising Committee for World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. Archbishop Orani João Tempesta and some of his team came to Rome in May for a meeting with our dicastery. On their return to Rio de Janeiro, a press conference was held on 1 June. They took this opportunity to make it known which locations would be used for the main events of the 28th WYD which is scheduled to take place from 23 to 28 July next year.
The first three events (Opening Mass, Papal Welcome and Way of the Cross) will take place on Copacabana Beach. The Vigil and the Final Mass with the Holy Father will he held at Santa Cruz Airbase. Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, who is president of the Local Organising Committee, explained that the beach in the southern zone of the city takes its name from Our Lady of Copacabana. The western zone of the city was originally famous for a large wooden cross placed there by the Jesuits. These facts remind us of the WYD symbols, an icon of Our Lady and the pilgrim cross, both on pilgrimage in Brazil and presently in the mid-western region of the country.
The archbishop said that “we chose Santa Cruz Airbase because it is very extensive. We do not want anyone to be left outside. We want to welcome everyone. We are studying the transport question so that access to the area can be improved, remembering of course that pilgrimage forms part of WYD”.
The Committee has chosen 18 saints and blesseds as patrons and intercessors for WYD.
The five patrons, “spiritual parents for young people”, were chosen to show young people the path to holiness, just like true parents and teachers:
Our Lady of Aparecida, protector of the Church and of families.
Saint Sebastian, a soldier and martyr for the faith. He is the titular saint of the archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro.
Saint Anthony of Santana Galvão, a witness of peace and charity
Saint Therese of Lisieux, patron of the missions
Blessed John Paul II, friend of young people
There are thirteen intercessors. These are role models for young people because they learned early in life to choose the better part – Jesus Christ:
Saint Rose of Lima, faithful to God’s will
Saint Teresa of the Andes, a contemplative of Christ
Blessed Laura Vicuña, a martyr for purity
Blessed José of Anchieta, an apostle of Brazil
Blessed Albertina Berkenbrock, an expert in gospel values
Blessed Chiara Luce Badano, devoted to Jesus
Blessed Irma Dulce, an ambassador of charity
Blessed Adílio Daronch, a friend of Christ
Blessed Pier Giogio Frassati, full of love for the poor and the Church
Blessed Isidoro Bakanja, a martyr of the scapular
Blessed Federico Ozanam, a servant of the impoverished
Saint George, a warrior against evil
Saints Andrea Kim and companions, martyrs for evangelisation
