Maine bishop to lead prayers in Australia

PORTLAND – Bishop Richard J. Malone, the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, will lead English-speaking youths in prayer and reflection during celebrations of World Youth Day 2008 July 15-20 in Sydney, Australia.

The world meeting of Catholic youths held every three years begins with three days of daily religious instruction guided by bishops. Malone also will provide Masses and focus his homilies on the Holy Spirit after the daily catechesis.

Maine has a delegation of 51 teenagers and chaperones from Fort Kent to Wells preparing to make the trip. Organizers expect 125,000 international visitors to the event and up to 500,000 are expected to attend the final Mass to be celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI.

World Youth Day will mark the pope’s first visit to Australia.