Ideas and themes

The history of humanity is symbolized by a long wall. On it,  the mystery of Redemption is  represented by a cross some 36 metres high.The history of humanity is the central idea of the stage-design. From this stage, John Paul II will lead the most important moments of the fifteenth World Youth Day, in Tor Vergata. the wall is not linear, but is built at an oblique angle symbolizing the imperfections of humanity. In the centre of the stage is the cross of Christ, representing salvation. The presence of lots of images is meant to describe the vitality and the striving of the people of God who enter the new millennium in the light of the Paschal Mystery. The stage will turn into a tent , emblem of a house , image of the “Word” that has become human and has come to live among us. The stagewhich is being  built, during these days is rich in meaning and emblems and will help young people to reflect upon the themes of the final celebrations of the GMG2000. The idea originated with the architects Marco Petreschi, working for the “Progettazione architettonica “at the university “La Sapienza”, Paolo Marciani and Diana Petti.

An idea that responds to several desires

The idea responds to the desire to show hospitality to the groups who will participate in the events of the afternoon of the 19^th  August, and during the “vigil” with the Holy Father until Holy Mass in the morning of Sunday, 20^th  of August. Beside the stage there will be considerable open space (330 hectares) and giving an opportunity to see the stage. The structure will be built on a thin “elevation” with a “quinta architettetonica “ longer than 150 metres . Given its shape and size it will be easy to see it. The stage is 8 metres above ground level and there will be seating for 650 besides the places reserved for the orchestra and the chorus. The wall will be the “back-drop” for the changing platforms. The tent which covers the stage will be used as a protection for the liturgical area. The different parts will be linked by stairs between the ground and the different levels of platforms. 680 meters squared of wood, given by the autonomous province of  Trento, will be used to complete the work. Joiners (Edil Sa. Mar, Anemone s.n.c, D’Alessio s.r.l ,Carpinato s.rl),are also taking part , giving their help ,in the building of the stage and in carving, together with  the Associazione italiana degli impiantisti (Assistal) and in the “land reclamation ”of the area .

In the official Internet Web site of the Italian Commitee for the World Youth Day, www.gmg2000 .it you can find a colored, 3D model of the stage, with a precise description of the meanings which the architects wish to convey by their impressive design.

Ufficio Stampa GMG2000

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