Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, has announced that Pope Benedict XVI will have a special meeting with disadvantaged youth during the week of WYD2008.

Bishop Fisher, the coordinator of WYD08, said that the Holy Father had especially requested the meeting with the disadvantaged young people and that he would travel to an inner city suburb to meet them.

"Those he will meet are young people alienated from the many positive messages that WYD promotes. This will not be a one-off experience for them, but something that links them into the ongoing healing mission of the Catholic Church," Bishop Fisher said.

In addition to this visit, 12 young people from around the world will enjoy a private meal with His Holiness, Bishop Fisher announced.

There will be two representatives from each of the five continents, including one representative from Papua New Guinea and one from New Zealand.

The two representatives from Australia are 30 year-old Teresa Wilson, who is a long time volunteer with the St Vincent De Paul Society, and 21 year old, Gamilaroi man from Walgett, Craig Ashby, who is currently studying Education at Sydney University.

Mr Ashby said he was proud to represent Australian and indigenous youth.

"Who would have thought a young bloke from Walgett would get the chance to have lunch with the Pope one day and represent all young Aussies?" he said.

When Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne called Ms Wilson on Saturday evening to ask her about dining with His Holiness in a special luncheon with other young people during WYD08, her jaw was nearly 'hitting the ground' she said.

Ms Wilson who is currently working for WYD Days in the Dioceses office in Melbourne, said she hasn't had enough time yet to think about what she will ask the Holy Father.

"I think I just want to hear his thoughts about his hopes and dreams for the young people of Australia and the world… [and find out] the ways the young people can shape the future of the Church and of society in general."

"The lunch will be a very special occasion for those 12 young people, especially the two Australians chosen to represent the host country," Bishop Fisher has said.

Bishop Fisher has also announced that the Pope will hold a special Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral with invited seminarians and young religious people where he will bless and dedicate the cathedral's new altar.

"It will be a legacy for future generations and a reminder of this great event," Bishop Fisher said.
 

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