The Australian Catholic Bishops’ delegate for youth Bishop Anthony Fisher OP has announced that Cosmos tour company will coordinate travel arrangements for an estimated 2,000 Australians making the pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) 2016 in Krakow, Poland.
Having facilitated a six-month process of informing, identifying and selecting a company to support the Australian pilgrimage to WYD 2016, the Australian Bishops selected Cosmos as the company that will manage more than 30 groups.
Cosmos has extensive experience in offering affordable tours across Europe and the world, and features a range of pilgrimage experiences.
It caters for more than 40,000 clients every year, is part of the Globus family of brands, and is one of Europe’s largest touring companies. It also has experience in pilgrimages in Poland.
“I am happy to announce the appointment of Cosmos as our tour operator for WYD 2016 in Krakow as it provides young people and the Church in Australia a great opportunity to prepare and visit the homeland of St Pope John Paul II and encounter Pope Francis through the WYD experience,” Bishop Fisher said.
“I know Cosmos will be of great assistance in managing the logistical needs of our pilgrimage in partnership with my brother bishops and priests, their local youth ministers and the Bishops Office for Youth.
Cosmos’ Australian managing director Stewart Williams said the company was excited and humbled by the appointment.
“Cosmos is committed to the success of Australia’s pilgrimage to WYD 2016,” he said.
“We understand not only the logistical importance of this event, but the spiritual impact for the young people and the whole Church in Australia.”
Australia’s participation in World Youth Days is overseen by the ACBC Office for Youth, with each group coordinator developing and managing their particular needs.