World Youth Day in Poland
2016 promises to be an exciting time for young adults as they prepare to gather in Krakow, Poland with Pope Francis and millions of other young people from around the world in July for the 15th World Youth Day.
The week-long gathering of young people in the host city includes numerous youth festivals, daily catechesis with cardinals and bishops from around the world, vocations expos and much more. The theme for WYD this year is, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7), reinforcing the Divine Mercy Shrine as a pilgrimage place for all WYD pilgrims to visit.
The highlight for many young people begins with the pinnacle Saturday night prayer vigil with Pope Francis at the venue of the massed sleep-out, and concludes with Papal Mass marking World Youth Day on the Sunday. The sight of so many young people in prayer together with the Pope is something to be experienced.
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, the pilgrimage to Poland is very significant. The Perth Catholic Youth Ministry pilgrimage begins in Rome at the tomb of St John Paul II in the Vatican – the founder of World Youth Day – as well as the chance to walk through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica.
The pilgrimage continues on to Warsaw, where pilgrims will encounter Days in the Diocese, which includes a time of staying with host families, learning the local culture and being hosted by a Polish parish community.
It’s not too late for young people aged 18 to 35 years to join the CYM Perth pilgrimage or, for those willing to help financially, to support a pilgrim to attend (donations NOT tax-deductible): please contact CYM on admin@cym.com.au or call 08 9422 7912.
Veritas Youth Festival
Veritas Youth Festival is back for a second time in Perth from 22 to 24 April.
The three-day event is an initiative of the Catholic Youth Network in Perth and aims to assist young people aged 16 to 30 to understand how and where they can find happiness and truth in their own lives.
The event was attended by more than 400 youth in 2015 in what was one of the biggest Catholic youth events in WA and, this year, is set to be even bigger and better with an amazing line-up of speakers, workshops, exhibitors and festival activities. The event includes youth rallies, with engaging music and speakers; workshops, with key youth ministry leaders; a youth discussion forum, with Archbishop Costelloe SDB; and sessions focused on the festival’s theme of mercy.
During the Catholic Super Fest, attendees will enjoy festival activities, games, competitions, food and live music, and have the opportunity to visit the various stalls exhibiting groups and youth movements in Perth. Sunday will close with a public Mass with Archbishop Costelloe SDB at 12.15pm. This will also incorporate the annual Youth Leaders Commissioning Mass. Everyone is welcome.
All young people aged 16 to 30 are invited and we encourage you to bring your friends, family and youth group. Tickets are only $50 for the weekend and include lunch and dinner on the Saturday and a festival pack.
Registration for the Friday night and Sunday Mass are free, but still require booking via the website: www.veritasperth.com.
From page 20 from Issue 1: ‘The Year of Mercy: Seeking an Encounter with Christ’ of The Record Magazine