Australia is experiencing a rise in conversions and vocations in the wake of last year's World Youth Day, Sydney Cardinal George Pell says. "We are registering an increase in conversions," Cardinal Pell told the the Italian bishops news agency.
"A few days ago," he explained, "one parish priest called me to tell me that 25 people, youth and adults, had decided to become Catholic."
The number of seminarians is also going up, he added, explaining that in February, seven young men will enter the seminary of Sydney and eight in Melbourne.
He also noted an increase in retreats and religious events.
One of the World Youth Day activities that continues to be in demand is catechesis, Cardinal Pell said.
"Many continue to ask for it and in numerous parishes, it has become a regular event," he said.
"Youth don't want to be told just what is good and what is bad, but rather they want to understand the doctrine of the Church regarding current topics."
The cardinal mentioned that another fruit of World Youth Day is a renewed pastoral attention to indigenous peoples.
He said that this ministry would be further developed during 2009, with a particular focus on free education in Catholic schools for indigenous children.
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(Source: CTHN)