Apocalyptic Predictions From Novelists Notwithstanding ...
Bishop Anthony Fisher (an Australian Dominican who Tim Drake interviewed here) vigorously defended World Youth Day this week (he is the co-ordinator of the day).
He was replying to Australian Alan Gold, who wrote a scathing piece about WYD called "God's Day Out a Shambles."
"Novelist Alan Gold demonstrates his skill as a fiction writer in his recent opinion piece about World Youth Day 2008," begins the good bishop. He continues:
"While the Sydney Olympics ran like a well-oiled machine, he says, insecurity, top-level resignations and a growing 'sense of doom' have turned the organisation of WYD into a potential nightmare.
"Now let's be clear. There have been no top-level resignations from WYD, which is unusual given the size of the staff and the mammoth task involved.
"The reason for the extraordinary sticking power of our staff is that, far from a sense of doom, there are such good spirits and excitement among the leaders and staff, as there are among other Australians. The same cannot be said for some of those campaigning against World Youth Day with their dire predictions and constant carping about costs."
"Apocalyptic predictions from novelists notwithstanding ... it will be a magical time for all Sydney, and for all Australia, not just the Catholics, not just the youth. Ordinary people will join the pilgrims in big numbers and will have an emotionally and spiritually uplifting time. At least, that's been the experience in every previous host city."
Asks the bishop: "So what's going on here? Why the constant negativity in some quarters?"

















