World Youth Day (WYD) is a Catholic event for youth, celebrated on Palm Sunday each year at the diocesan level, and every three years at an International location. This celebration was started by Pope John Paul II as a way to inspire the youth and encourage them in living the teachings of Christ.

World Youth Day is more than just a meeting, drawing thousands or even millions of young people. WYD is a testimony of a living Church that is continually being renewed. Youth are the protagonists of this meeting of faith, hope and unity.

The first official WYD was held in Rome in 1986. Since then, there have been 12 International World Youth Day celebrations, where the youth continue to answer the invitation of the Holy Father in staggering numbers and carry home the message received there to be Christ's light to the world.

The main goal of WYD is to let youth know about the message of Jesus Christ, in the context of a joyful meeting of the Pope, young people and leaders of the Church. It is also true that through young people of faith the young ‘face’ of Jesus is shown to the world.

 In 2016 the youth of the world gather again, this time in Krakow, capital city of Poland. The Event is shceduled from July 25 -31, 2016. Krakow is where St John Paul II was Archbishop before his election to the Papacy. World Youth Day in Krakow will celebrate John Paul’s vision for young people, renewed again with the presence of Pope Francis. The main heme for World Youth Day 2016 is, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7).
 

For more information on the World Youth Day log on to http://www.wyd.org.au/

The following is a Australian pilgrimage promo vedio for WYD 2016