PITTSBURGH -- Hundreds of local Catholics are leaving Pittsburgh for Australia this weekend to celebrate youth.

Pittsburgh's Bishop David Zubick has asked for prayers for more than 700 people leaving Pittsburgh to witness World Youth day. Some have planned for the trip to see the pope at the event for years.

Zubick held Mass in a different location on Saturday -- the chapel at Pittsburgh International Airport -- to send off some of the pilgrims headed to Australia, who will miss Sunday in the air.

"I wanted to come out and celebrate Mass because we're going to miss a whole day going over to Australia," Zubick said. "It's just so good to be encouraging so many folks that are going on the trip to world youth day in Australia."

Pittsburgh's delegation to the World Youth Day events represents the largest from any diocese in the entire world.

Local youth and their sponsors sold hoagies, washed cars and worked for three years to raise money for the trip to the other side of the world.

"I feel really excited, I've never left the country and it's going to be a wonderful experience," said Gemma Koury, of Belle Vernon. "It's very good for the faith and, hopefully, it'll help strengthen it."

The trip will culminate with an enormous outdoor Mass celebrated by the pope.

"I know that they're really excited. This is more than just a trip. It's a pilgrimage, it's an opportunity to be with Pope Benedict," Zubick said.

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