Pilgrims from around the globe have been converging on Sydney for World Youth Day (WYD), including residents of Tenterfield representing our part of the world.

Loretta McLean, Rhonda Rovera and Ian and Clare Unsworth have journeyed south to be a part of the celebrations that have attracted more than 225,000 people for the event. More than half this number have travelled from overseas destinations to be part of the international event.

As a youth pilgrim from Tenterfield, Loretta wanted to be involved because it was a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

“I was told about the week from Rhonda and thought it would be a good opportunity to be part of such a big event,” Loretta said.

“WYD is a gathering of young people who are celebrating the youth of the world. The event is religious in nature, but it’s open to everybody to get involved.”

Loretta is part of a group from the Armidale diocese attending the event. They arrived in Sydney on Tuesday and will remain there until the following Sunday after the Papal Mass. The local pilgrims will also take part in youth festival events that include live concerts, film screenings and street performances.

“I think it’s going to be really busy when I get down there,” Loretta said.

“I’ve heard that over 200,000 people will be attending the event, and there will be concerts at Randwick. It’s going to be amazing to meet people from all around the world that are coming to Australia for this one event.

“I think coming from Tenterfield, this is a chance to be involved with something that is unique and held on a global scale. There’s not many Tenterfield people heading down, but at least we’re representing our part of the world.”

WYD was an initiative created by Pope John Paul II in 1986 as an annual event to reach out to the youth of the world. The event is described as being a pilgrimage of faith where people from diverse backgrounds meet and celebrate their beliefs.

Mrs Rovera, who will be working as a volunteer for the event, wanted to be involved in something that she described as “special” for Australia.

“It’s something I’ve heard about for many years,” she said.

“I think it gives young people the opportunity to be involved in something special here in Australia. They may not have the opportunity again.”

Every two to three years WYD is hosted by an international city and is attended by the Pope. It is a week-long series of events directed towards the youth of the world.

Mrs Rovera believes WYD shows the spirit of young people and is a great opportunity to come together.