World Youth Day

“Mary arose and went with haste”

-Luke 1:39 (Theme Scripture for WYD 2023)

What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day (WYD) is a regular global event for young Catholics which was instituted by St  John Paul II in 1985. The event happens every 2 or 3 years in different locations around the world. As well as being a gathering of young people from all over the world World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world, it is also a pilgrimage. The aim of WYD is to provide all participants an experience of the universal Church, fostering a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

WYD is always attended by the Pope who addresses the gathered young people and celebrates the final Mass. During WYD pilgrims attend catechesis sessions with other groups who share the same language as them. There is also a variety of events. gatherings, music and speakers to attend. WYD usually features a live-action presentation of the way of the cross, the journey of Christ from his arrest to his resurrection. WYD culminates with a vigil where pilgrims travel on foot to the site of the final Mass and sleep outside that night. For more information about WYD 2023 go to the official website.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to WYD

World Youth Day is back this year and is being hosted in Lisbon, Portugal. Our diocese will be taking a pilgrimage which will be accompanied by Bishop Michael. The group will leave Australia on the 28th of July travelling to Avila, Segovia and Salamanca in Spain, then on to Lisbon for World Youth Day followed by a

3 day retreat at Fatima, and then arriving back in Australia on the 11th of August. This is an amazing experience of the global Church that every young Catholic should try to get to at least once in their life. Our diocesan pilgrimage is open to anybody aged 18 to about 35 who has some connection to our diocese.

To register and for more information use the button below:

Sponsorship Available

The diocese is pleased to offer sponsorship for 4 young adults of $3000 each towards the cost of participating in our diocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day. The total cost for the pilgrimage is currently estimated at $6490 however this figure will be finalised in April.

You can apply for sponsorship before or after registering for the pilgrimage however the sponsorship amount will only be paid out after confirmation that the successful applicants have registered for the pilgrimage and paid their initial deposit. Applications for sponsorship close on the 28th of February. To apply for sponsorship please fill out the application by following the link below: