SYDNEY, Australia, SEPT. 2, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Surpassing expectations, 184,800 pilgrims have already registered for World Youth Day — which is still eleven months away.
World Youth Day chief operating officer Danny Casey said he was thrilled with the response from prospective pilgrims in Australia and from around the world for the event that is still 11 months away.
Casey said, “We appear to have exceeded our target for international visitors and are confident that the numbers of Australian pilgrims will grow even further.”
“These numbers show the level of anticipation that is building in Australia and around the world for this historic event,” that will be “the largest event held in Australia in terms of participants and will deliver a significant boost to the [New South Wales] and Australian economies,” he said.
“With the support of the federal and state governments, we are progressing well in our plans for accommodation, catering and event planning,” Casey added.
Australian pilgrims top the list of those registered with 50,710, while U.S. pilgrims are second with 36,171.
More than 500,000 people are expected to take part in at least one World Youth Day event.
Tags: Youth
