World Youth Day prayer

God our Father,
we consecrate to you the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.
Guide and protect Pope Benedict
and all the leaders of the church.

God our Father,

we consecrate to you the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.

Guide and protect Pope Benedict

and all the leaders of the church.

Inspire and direct all those leading and planning

the World Youth Day.

Unite and protect them by your fatherly care.

Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ,

before you ascended to the Father,

you promised to send your Holy Spirit

so that we might be your witnesses to the end of the earth.

Bless and multiply the efforts of all our staff and volunteers.

Help us to take up our cross and follow you

under the heavenly sign of the Southern Cross.

Amen.

Holy Spirit,

pour out your grace on this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit

and grant to us a new Pentecost.

Make of this land a true place of welcome

for the young people of the world.

Grant to those young people who come conversion of life,

a deeper faith, and love for all.

Enable them to build a new civilisation of life, love and truth.

Make them true witnesses to your power and grace.

Amen.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, help of Christians

pray for us.

Blessed Mary MacKillop

pray for us.