Orange’s Catholic community had better polish up their crucifixes and dig out their rosary beads because Pope Benedict XVI has been invited to Orange for some rest and recreation in the lead- up to Sydney’s frenetic World Youth Day celebrations.
The Central West Business Chamber has sent a letter to Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop Cardinal George Pell asking him to pass on Orange’s invitation to the pope, reminding him that Orange has one of the largest Catholic populations in NSW.
“He’d be amongst friends,” said Central West Business Chamber of Commerce president Ellie Brown.
“Staying in Orange would give the pope the opportunity to see Australia away from the big cities and allow him to experience our rich natural and indigenous heritage.”
“We would hope that he would consider coming but we understand if his schedule and security team wouldn’t allow it.”
Orange priest Father Tony Hennessy said it was very kind of the Orange community to invite the pope although he believes the chances of him taking up the offer were “0000”.
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