World Youth Day: A Celebration for Youth!

Pope John Paul II knew what he was doing when he established World Youth Day. World Youth Day is a celebration for all Catholic youth throughout the world. Millions of people attend this event this is held each year in a different location. I had the privilege of attending the 2002 World Youth Day that was held in Toronto, Canada, in the hot summer month of July.

What is the purpose of WYD?

The main purpose of World Youth Day is to celebrate the Catholic faith and to get Catholic youth from all over the world excited about their faith and excited about sharing it. There is a theme for each of the World Youth Day events, and that theme is chosen from a Bible verse and runs throughout the entire week of events, liturgies, and the concluding Mass. The theme for the 2002 World Youth Day was "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world," taken from the book of Matthew, Chapter 5. This was an especially important message for me because at the time I was about to finish up my high school career, and it made me realize that I need to hold the Catholic faith dear and spread God's Word.

What happens at World Youth Day?

There are all sorts of concerts filled with Christian music groups, different liturgical dances and shows are presented from all backgrounds of different cultures, and there are plenty of social events to attend. Some of the highlights at the 2002 World Youth Day were the entrance of Pope John Paul II, a long evening of a live-action Stations of the Cross, and the journey to the final ceremonies.

One of the fun parts for the youth that attend World Youth Day is the trading of items that takes place. Each group that goes to World Youth Day carries with them lots of souvenirs that represents where they live. These souvenirs are then traded with other youth for their souvenirs. This is a good way to not only meet other youth from different backgrounds, but the chance to make some lifelong friends also.

The Concluding Mass

This is the final event that takes place before the Pope dismisses the Catholic youth and all of the youth groups that have attended World Youth Day. The Pope is the main celebrant for the Mass and it is and awesome Mass that is filled with lively music, a last message from the Pope, as well as a true bonding experience for those traveling together.

There are hundreds of thousands of youth and millions of people that attend this event each and every year. Even though World Youth Day is an event that is primarily designed to celebrate the Catholic faith, non-Catholics are invited to share in the festivities that celebrate their faith in God. Even though the numbers are impressive for the 2002 World Youth Day, more young people need to be inspired to attend this event and celebrate their faith with others!