2008 World Youth Day Answers
World Youth Day is an unbelievable weeklong spiritual journey where pilgrims from all over the world unite to share their faith. The week includes prayer, song, concerts, drama, sharing, liturgy, catechesis, and an unforgettable vigil and closing mass with the Holy Father. In 1984, the Pope John Paul II invited young people from all over the world to participate in a pilgrimage at the very first World Youth Day. Since then it has been held in Argentina (’87), Spain (’89), Poland (’91), U.S. (’93), Philippines (’95), France (’97), Italy (’00), Canada (’02), and Germany (’05).
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8)
Young people ages 16-35 are all invited to attend World Youth Day 2008 which will be held in Sydney, Australia, July 15-20, 2008.
World Youth Day is a great event because of the large number of pilgrims from all over the world who attend. It is best experienced with parish, diocesan, or ecclesial movement groups so that you can celebrate together the many opportunities that are available. Individuals can certainly register alone, but you may want to check with your parish or diocese first to see if a group is being formed.
Group registration has begun on the official international World Youth Day website here.
There are different pilgrim packages available for WYD. You may learn more about the particular packages and their costs at the official Australian WYD website here.
There are two websites with the best information about WYD 2008: www.wyd2008.org is the official international website and is hosted by the Australian office for WYD2008. Also, check out the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site with specific info for U.S. pilgrims at: www.wydusa.org
World Youth Day is not a vacation—it’s much more important than that. It is a spiritual journey, a time to reconnect with Jesus, a time to share your faith, a time to renew your commitment to Christ. It literally can be a life-changing, exciting and awesome event!
“It’s hard to put into words how moving it is to worship with hundreds of thousands of other young Catholic people. Our church is very exciting and vibrant.”
“I was in awe of simply being in the presence of the Holy Father. I got the most incredible feeling of peace that I have ever had.”
“Sitting in the field in Rome at the prayer vigil Saturday night was the most intense spiritual moment I’ve ever had. As far as I could see in every direction were people holding candles united in prayer. It was absolutely incredible. I can’t put into words how much this trip meant to me. I highly recommend it!!!”