By Maria C. Borg – As the clock ticks on its final beats close to the young people’s meeting with Pope Benedict, to be held next Sunday 18th April, the last touches are being set up for the big event. Three hundred volunteers, and two hundred and fifty musicians are deep at work finalising preparations required for the programme to be a success.

The journey of young people towards this event has been a long process, which ‘hit the road’ last 24th January 2010 with the arrival of the Cross and Icon, symbols of this journey young people have undertaken, at the Sliema front. The Cross and Icon, replicas of those given by Pope John Paul II to young people on the occasion of the World Youth Days, have since visited over twenty different locations in less than twelve weeks.

The day’s events featuring young people will kick off with a symbolical ‘journey’ with the same Cross and Icon, during which young people will walk from the Floriana Granaries to the Valletta Waterfront at the end of Pontifical Mass and Angelus. Young people will animate and liven up this pilgrimage until their arrival at the set venue, when they will have some time to rest and brunch before the gates open at 2pm.

On stage a concert with the participation of over twenty bands, dance groups and solo artists will fuel up energy for Pope Benedict’s arrival. Line up before the arrival of Pope Benedict will include Y4J Dancers, Y4J band, Heartbeat, Fr. Karm Debattista, Footprints, Neocathecuminal Way band, Maranatha Dance team and SALT. A Youth Village installed for the event close to the entry gates will be involving young people in discussion on relevant debates concerning youth, faith and the Church. The Youth Village will also offering counselling services by professional counsellors from MACP, and a retreat place for adoration.

On departure of the Pontiff, guest band Winter Moods will take its place on the podium, followed by solo artist Eleanor Cassar and the Animae Gospel Choir. Bands RISE, His Project, and Cedar House, Symphonik Choir, solo artists Carlos Vella, Donna Agius, Clive Muscat and Rosanne Cordina, and Incite Motion School of Dance will take over the last part of the concert which is marked to end at around 9pm.

Pope Benedict’s arrival at the Valletta Waterfront by ferry from the port at Kalkara will be met by the enthusiasm and vigour of all young people present. The meeting of young people with Pope Benedict will be characterised by dialogue, with young people from different backgrounds presenting their life situations and challenges to Pope Benedict as the ‘Good Teacher’, asking him ‘What must I do?’ (Mk. 10:17). A choir and band of young people from Malta and Gozo, set up for this celebration, will be animating these special moments with Pope Benedict. The meeting with young people will be the last encounter of the Pontiff with the peoples of our islands during this pastoral visit before departure to the airport.

All registered young people should bring with them their registration cards in order to enter the venue. Those others who are not yet registered are invited to register on the website www.kdz.org.mt and collect their registration cards during this week. A registration service will also be operating on site from three different areas. The event is open particularly for young people aged 13 to 35, who will be given preference to enter the venue. One should note that placing at the event is on first come first served basis and registration cards will only authorise young people to enter the venue and participate in the event. Young people are advised to be at the venue not later than 4.15pm.

Special arrangements are being made for young people with disability who will be participating at the event. Those who need assistance are kindly required to contact KDZ office early this week in order to install measures necessary for their participation (info@kdz.org.mt, 21484506). One should take note that due to security measures being undertaken, vehicle access for the Valletta Waterfront venue will be forestalled, and that the official national organising committee for the Pope’s visit is recommending the use of public transport.

This event is being organised by the Diocesan Youth Commission (KDZ) with the collaboration of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sport and supported by APS Bank.

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