25,000 from 40 Countries Will Assist Young Pilgrims
VATICAN CITY, AUGUST 7 (ZENIT.org).- Since last Saturday, thousands of volunteers for the World Youth Day have arrived in Rome - a total of 25,000 "guardian angels" is expected. From August 15-20, they will be responsible for welcoming the youth and for the logistical organization of the activities of some one million youth.
The World Youth Day volunteers come from 40 different countries. They will celebrate their own special Jubilee on August 12, which will include a Mass in St. Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of Rome. They will conclude their celebration by crossing the threshold of the Holy Door together. Immediately thereafter, they will begin 9 days of fast-paced work.
Massimo Orselli, who is in charge of the volunteer section of the Committee for the World Youth Day, said that by August 8, 18,000 volunteers will be in Rome. They will cover railroad stations,toll booths on highways, airports, and bus depots to welcome youths and inform them about their accommodations. The pilgrims will be received in their places of residence by other volunteers who will resolve practical problems. Thanks to the assistance of these youths, it will be possible for the world's young pilgrims to meet with the Pope in the field of Tor Vergara, on the outskirts of Rome, where hundreds of thousands of youths are expected to spend the last night of their Jubilee celebration under the stars.
The volunteers are directed by 800 persons of a team, also made up of volunteers, trained in a special course held in the Italian city of Fiuggi at the beginning of May.
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