Yesterday, July 12, 2008, the Diocese of Brisbane pumped up the WYD fever with its initial march of more than 6000 Pilgrims marching on the streets of the City. They marched from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the Roma Street Parklands, where up to 20,000 Catholics are expected for day-long celebrations. A spokesman for the Catholic church in Brisbane said that after years of planning it was wonderful that the big event had finally arrived. He said young Catholics from around the world now in Brisbane would be heading for Sydney where Pope Benedict XVI will lead week-long celebrations. The 81-year-old pontiff has touched down at Richmond RAAF base, northwest of Sydney, at 3pm (AEST) today (1 PM Manila time). Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby addressed the Brisbane celebrations late yesterday. As usual, OTWOMD caught sight once again these exclusive photos of the March yesterday. Everyone was singing and dancing on the street, a true-blue WYD joyful atmosphere is already in the air, even before Benedict XIV arrives in Australia, Look at the exclusive Video.

Related Photos HERE