(1901 – 1925)

“To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend, without a steady struggle for truth, that is not living but existing” Feast Day July 4

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is much loved by the young people of the world for his dynamic personality and commitment to charity in love for Jesus.  A layman who lived only to 24 years of age, his love for sports, friends and the poor make him an ideal model to propose to Australians and youth around the world.  At the funeral after his early death, hundreds of families emerged to testify to his personal commitment to them.  His embrace of social justice as a university student makes him a hero to young pilgrims. 

Father, you gave to the young Pier Giorgio Frassati the

joy of meeting Christ and of living his faith in service

of the poor and the sick.  Through his intercession may we,

too, walk the path of the beatitudes and follow the example

of his generosity, spreading the spirity of the Gospel in society.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July 2008.

Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. It will attract over 125,000 international visitors - more than the 2000 Olympics.

WYD08 will mark the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Through the WYD08 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God.

World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.