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

In 2023 our diocese lead it’s first pilgrimage to an overseas World Youth Day. Our group of 32 pilgrims visited Avila, Segovia & Salamanca in Spain before travelling to Lisbon for World Youth Day and then headed to Fatima for a post-WYD retreat.

The next WYD is in Seoul, Korea in 2027. Our diocese intends to have a presence at Seoul, however this may be in combination with other dioceses and there are no details at this stage. To express interest and be updated on details about World Youth Day, please send an email to youth@rok.catholic.net.au.