World Youth Day

 See Lizzie and Grace's WYD diary

(See below for more useful links and news of TV coverage)

A Brief History of WYD

In 1984 the International Jubilee for the Young was celebrated by John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square in a celebration that also marked the close of the Holy Year of Redemption. At this gathering the Holy Father entrusted youth with what is now known as the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross - one of the most important symbols of WYD.

The UN declared 1985 the first "International Youth Year" and to celebrate it the Holy Father welcomed youth from all over the world in Rome on Palm Sunday. In December of the same year he announced the institution of World Youth Day. It is celebrated annually at the diocesan level on Palm Sunday in Rome and at a week-long event internationally every two to three years.

The last WYD in Madrid in 2011 was attended by over 2 000 000 people.

This year it is in Rio de Janeiro 23 - 28th July 2013

Article: Three Popes of the Second Vatican Council Watch over the Young People of the World Gathered in Rio

The Archdiocese of Birmingham are sending a group of young people under the auspices of the Birmingham Catholic Youth Service (BCYS).  Our parish has two young people, Lizzie Hall and Grace Catchpole, who are travelling with a group of about 50 in the BCYS group.  They set off on Wednesday 17th July, travelling via Heathrow and Paris.

BCYS WYD Itinerery

BCYS group Blog on Archdiocese Website

 See Lizzie and Grace's WYD diary

There is also extensive coverage on EWTN (Sky Channel 589)

Other Useful Links:

Official World Youth Day website.

Vatican WYD page
with Holy Father's schedule and Vatican TV coverage

Follow Pope Francis on Twitter and receive an Indulgence

                                           Latest news from the Vatican on WYD