Days in the Diocese: Together Under the Southern Cross will run from July 9-14 and is an opportunity for the country to embrace the spirit that World Youth Day embodies and share in a cultural exchange in the context of faith.

Pilgrims from Denmark, Ireland, Congo, Pakistan, Mexico, El Salvador and Zimbabwe are expected to visit the Bathurst region during the week.

World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) Bathurst co-ordinator Gabrielle Sinclair said she was very thankful for all the families who had signed on to billet the overseas guests.

“Being able to share our home with people coming to World Youth Day is an exciting opportunity to get a taste of other cultures,” she said. “Just being open and welcoming is a great way to find out about other cultures.”

And it is not just the exchange of cultures and experiences that is set to benefit the Central West.

The Sydney Chamber of Commerce has estimated the Catholic festival will inject $231 million into the state’s economy, including spending on transport, food and other tourist attractions.

Bathurst mayor Paul Toole said residents were looking forward to welcoming the visitors.

“The pilgrims wanted to help out the region by being part of an environmental program around the town,” he said.

“We are looking to plant around 2000 trees while they are here.”

His sentiments were echoed by Mrs Sinclair’s husband, Patrick.

“I’m pretty sure Bathurst residents are used to being invaded at least once a year,” he said, referring to the Great Race weekend. “But this is a different group of people with a different focus.”

International pilgrims are expected to arrive early next week before an official opening mass at St Stanislaus’ College on Wednesday.

Guests will spend the rest of the week being tourists and seeing some of the region’s biggest attractions before taking part in a social justice day on Thursday, July 10 where their attention will be turned towards continuing developments at St Joseph’s Mount and tree-plantings around the town. A cultural evening will be held on Saturday night and a youth festival on Sunday night before a closing mass on Monday.