by Santosh Digal

With 7,000 participants, it may be fourth among the countries with the most representatives. The enthusiastic anticipation of the young people. 20 Chinese will be in the Filipino delegation.

Manila (AsiaNews) - The Philippines may be in fourth place by number of representatives at World Youth Day (WYD) in Sydney (Australia) in June, after Australia, the United States, and Italy. 7,000 delegates are expected to go from the Philippines, and about 2,800 of these have already received their temporary visas, as confirmed by the Australian embassy in Manila.

The city is expecting a least 125,000 participants from other nations, and the organisers are speaking of "the largest worldwide event for young people".  There is great anticipation surrounding the addresses that Pope Benedict XVI will give at the vigil and at the final Mass, on July 19 and 20 (in the photo: WYD in 2005, in Cologne).

Jasica Ledesma, a WYD delegate for the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the archdiocese of Manila, tells AsiaNews that she is "excited" about this upcoming event and her participation, considering it an important opportunity for all participants to confirm and reinforce their faith. 

20 Chinese young people will be part of the Filipino delegation.

• Philippines
• World
• Youth
• Day
• Sydney
• Australia
• Pope
• Benedict
• XVI