Among them will be eight Mudgee youths: Lucy Bryant, Ben Heip, Ryan Leonard, Amy Leonard, Rachel Simone, Hanna Newbury, Robin Claire and Joseph Claire.

The eight locals have been at the forefront of WYD preparations in and around Mudgee, including carrying the WYD Cross, Icon of Mary and Message Stick that travelled to Mudgee in February of this year.

For the days leading up to WYD08 families from across the Mudgee region will show their hospitality when more than 60 international pilgrim volunteers are hosted.

Just over 18 Mudgee families are opening up their homes to welcome youths from around the world in what is best described as a cultural exchange in the context of faith.

Patty Kiddle of St Mary’s Catholic Church said everyone is really looking forward to the event.

“We received a great response from local families wanting to take part and help in any way possible,” she said.

Between July 10-14, Mudgee will host the pilgrims as part of the day’s in the Diocese event.

Days in the Dioceses is an excellent opportunity for the youth of the world to join local communities in prayer and celebration, to experience Australia beyond Sydney, to help renew the Church in the places they visit, as well as to receive Australian hospitality.

The visitors who will travel from India and Canada will stay in Mudgee for four days, where they will meet their host families and parish members, experience the sights of the region, attend a bush dance, visit Gooree and delve into the world of Australian history.

They will then travel to Bathurst where they will join more than 1000 other international visitors who have been billeted out across the Bathurst Diocese.

Local WYD representatives from across the Diocese will travel alongside them.

World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from July 15 to 20. Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted.