World Youth Day organisers in Sydney say up to 1 billion people worldwide will watch this afternoon's Stations of the Cross performance on television.
The re-enactment of the last day in Jesus' life will take place at six sites around Sydney's CBD from 3:00pm to 6:30pm (AEST).
World Youth Day spokesman father Mark Podesta says up to 1 billion people around the world will tune in.
"It's sure to be moving and inspiring and probably the event that people will remember for years to come after World Youth Day," he said.
Pope Benedict XVI will continue his official duties in Sydney today ahead of the performance.
The Pope will host New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the state's Governor, Marie Bashir, at St Mary's Cathedral before meeting with other Christian leaders and those from different faiths.
A group of 12 young people from around the world will then join the pontiff for lunch.
The Pope will also meet bashing victim Lauren Huxley and a group of disadvantaged youths at 6:45pm, after his "Super Thursday" tour of Sydney yesterday.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he has been impressed by World Youth Day celebrations and has praised the efforts of the event's organisers.
"I think the good thing about this World Youth Day - and I congratulate those who have organised it in considerable difficulty and adversity - is it's a great and positive celebration of life, of faith and work," he said.
"I think that transcends denominational divides as well."
Star of the Stations
The man who will play Jesus Christ in the Stations of the Cross re-enactment, 27-year-old Alfio Stuto from Sydney, is nervously awaiting the performance.
Mr Stuto says his first experience of being up on a crucifix was unpleasant, both physically and emotionally.
"Being on that cross is is quite challenging," he told ABC 702 Sydney Local Radio.
"When I was first up there during the the rehearsal, at first I was feeling, 'I'm not wanting to be up here,' but then I thought to myself, 'Look, I'm serving God here, it's a performance where people can watch and be connected'."
He is hoping to meet the Pope after the performance.
"I get to meet the Pope, that would be such a blessing," he said. "That would be huge but at this stage, I'm not sure."
Roads closed
Road closures in Sydney's CBD will continue for World Youth Day.
Closures on Hickson Road, College Street, George Street and Allison Road will remain in place for the Stations of the Cross service.
Macquarie Street, Hospital Road and Art Gallery Road in the Domain will also be closed from 2:00pm to 7:00pm (AEST).
It will be another major test for Sydney's public transport. The New South Wales Government's spokeswoman on World Youth Day, Kristina Keneally, puts the lack of problems with transport so far down to good management and goodwill.
"We've been planning for it for over two years and all hands are on deck at the moment, particularly on our transport system," she said.
"But people are also bringing a great deal of goodwill and happiness when they travel on our public transport system and that's also helping."
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment