What is a World Youth Day?
What is WYD: World Youth Day, WYD, is a yearly youth celebration that was started by Pope John Paul II as a way to inspire the youth and encourage them in living the teachings of Christ. In 1984 and 1985 he invited the youth of the world to Rome for a Palm Sunday celebration in St. Peter's Square. Later, announcing the institution of WYD on December 20, 1985, the first official WYD was held in 1986. 1987 brought about a historical tradition, when the second event and first international WYD took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The young people, from many countries and nations around the globe, come together showing the universality of, and diversity within, the Catholic Church. It is a time for the youth to share their faith and be rejuvenated to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in their homelands. It is also a way to come to understand other cultures and spread peace and understanding throughout the world. As they wave their countries' and region's flags with pride, the youth unite as one in their walk of faith.
During the week leading up to the final mass at World Youth Day, the youth gather in catechesis to learn the teachings of the faith and celebrate in other festivities. The graces flow and the fruits are abundant because it is truly a pilgrimage in which self-sacrifice is an intricate part. Some save and prepare for years to attend. Others sacrifice by traveling a great distance. All are joyful as they move through the crowds of people in uncomfortable climate conditions, by giving up the food, lodging, electronics, cleanliness, etc... that they are familiar with, and by thinking of others through it all.
Chronology of the international World Youth Day gatherings and their themes
1986 |
Rome, Italy |
- Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you.- 1Pt 3:15 |
1987 |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
- We ourselves have known and put our faith in God's love towards ourselves. - 1Jn 4:16 |
1989 |
Santiago de Compostela, Spain |
- I am the way, the truth, and the life - Jn 14:6 |
1991 |
Czestochowa, Poland |
- You have received a spirit of sonship. - Romans 8:15 |
1993 |
Denver, USA |
- I came that they might have life, and have it to the full. - Jn 10:10 |
1995 |
Manila, Philippines |
- As the Father sent me, so am I sending you. - Jn 20:21 |
1997 |
Paris, France |
- Teacher, where are you staying? Come and see. - Jn 1:38-39 |
2000 |
Rome, Italy |
- Jubilee - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. - Jn 1:14 |
2002 |
Toronto, Canada |
- You are the salt of the earth; You are the light of the world. - Mt 5:13-14 |
2005 |
Cologne, Germany |
- We have come to worship him. - Mt 2:2 |
2008 |
Sydney, Australia |
- You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses -Acts 1, 8 |
2011 |
Madrid, Spain |
- Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith Col 2:7 |
It will be the second time that Spain will host the event. World Youth Day in 1989 was held in Santiago de Compostela. The Vatican approved the nine patron saints for the August 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid. They are:
8. St. Francis Xavier
9. St. Rafael Arnaiz. This last saint was canonized just last October.
ˇ§The list of the patrons encompasses the history of the Church in Spain, from the first saints of Madrid (St. Isidore and St. Maria), through the founders of the Discalced Carmelites and the Society of Jesus (St. Teresa and St. Ignatius), a great missionary to the East (St. Francis Xavier), the summit of mystic literature (St. John of the Cross), the force behind diocesan priestly spirituality (St. John of Avila), the first saint of Hispanic America (St. Rose of Lima), and a young person from our times (St. Rafael Arnaiz), who was recently canonized,ˇ¨ the statement said.
Taiwan will join the WYD Madrid in 2011
The Catholic Church in Taiwan has been organizing groups to participate in World Youth Days since 1995. About 400 youth from Taiwan joined the WYD 2008 in Sydney, Australia. Whoever joined the WYD came home with a unique and great experience. The experience of unity, acceptance and appreciation despite the presence of numerous different cultures because of a common faith is just overwhelming.
In preparation for the coming WYD 2011, the Youth Section, Commission for Evangelization of the Chinese Regional Bishopsˇ¦ Conference, convened the first preparatory meeting on June 30, 2010. The following communities/groups have decided to join:
3. St. John (FJ)
4. Notre Dame de Vie (NDV)
5. Hsinchu Diocese
6. Teresiana Association
7. Hualien Diocese
8. Claretians (CMF)
9. Neo Catechumenate