Sydney: June 08. Monsignor Guido Marini, Master of Liturgical Ceremonies for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today approved the designs and Australian themes for the sanctuary spaces for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08). Monsignor Marini is in Sydney this week with Monsignor William Millea and Monsignor Enrico Vigano to finalise all liturgical elements for the July event. “We are very impressed with the designs of the sanctuary space,” said Monsignor Marini. “The Holy Father will be happy with the youthful yet spiritual direction of the colours and designs as well as the incorporation of Australian themes.” There will be two sanctuaries designed and built for the six day international gathering. The sanctuary is the holy structure that surrounds the altar, similar to a stage area. The first sanctuary will be built at Barangaroo where the Tuesday Opening Mass and Thursday Papal Arrival will take place. The second and showpiece sanctuary will be at Randwick Racecourse which will be used for the Vigil with the Pope on Saturday and the Final Mass, again with the Holy Father on Sunday. At Randwick, the base of the sanctuary will be eight metres high and will feature a giant screen either side. Southern Cross Precinct – the area that combines Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park into one venue – will be dressed with bright, spiritual colours for the event, in accordance with the WYD08 ‘look and feel’ developed by Sydney design company TRIA Consultants. Vibrant red, orange, yellow and blue shapes will feature across venue banners, fabric fencing, billboards and flags, echoing Australia’s unique landscape. The sanctuary will also feature iconic Australian design elements such as the famous curves of the Sydney Opera House. Indigenous Australian themes will also be prominently represented with imagery of Marjorie’s Bird - a painting depicting the Holy Spirit by Indigenous artist Marjorie Liddy – directly above the centre of the sanctuary beneath a giant cross. At its extremities the sanctuary will measure 60 metres wide and 73 metres deep and will be covered by a 22 metre high roof. “Creating a sacred and sound liturgical space on such a large scale was always going to be a challenge,” said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, WYD08 Coordinator. “The final designs are magnificent and will establish the perfect atmosphere for prayer, reflection and full participation in the liturgies. “We are delighted to receive such positive feedback and strong endorsement from Monsignor Marini and his colleagues,” he said. An 86 metre ramp from the racetrack to the sanctuary - for a pre-Mass procession - and specially designed tiered seating area will be erected for the 500 cardinals and bishops concelebrating the events. The sanctuary will also seat the 300-strong WYD08 choir and 80-piece orchestra. Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15 – 20 July. Hosted by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 will mark the first visit to Australia by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.