Body of charismatic Blessed arrives in Sydney

Body of charismatic young Blessed arrives in Sydney

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati has arrived in Sydney for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) - the first time his body has left Turin, Italy since his death in 1925.

The charismatic Blessed Pier Giorgio is revered for his social activism, sporty nature, sense of humour and generous spirit.

The body of Blessed Pier Giorgio is placed in a closed zinc-lined coffin. It arrived at St Benedict’s Church at Notre Dame University Broadway today, where it will remain until 10 July.

His feast day on 4 July will be celebrated by His Eminence, Cardinal Pell and Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator of WYD08 at a special Mass at 7pm at St Benedict’s.

On 11 July, the body of Blessed Pier Giorgio will be moved to St Mary’s Cathedral for the remainder of World Youth Day.

It will become the focal piece of the Pilgrimage to the Cathedral – a WYD08 event taking place from 11 July – 22 July.

Pilgrims and the public are encouraged to attend the Pilgrimage to the Cathedral to visit the body of Pier Giorgio, a photographic exhibition of his life, a newly commissioned painting Our Lady of the Southern Cross by Australian artist Paul Newton, an exhibition on the life of Blessed Mary MacKillop, Eucharistic Adoration and an exhibition of Russian Australian Icons.

Blessed Pier Giorgio is one of the 10 World Youth Day patrons.

Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15-20 July. Organised by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 is expected to attract 500,000 to the Final Mass, presided by Pope Benedict XVI.   

 
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