On 18 January 2019 17 Pilgrims will represent the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn at World Youth Day (WYD) in a worldwide gathering to encourage the youth of today to live out the teachings of Christ.

WYD was instituted in 1985 by Pope John Paul II for youth to rejoice in a global encounter, to celebrate the diversity and universality of the Catholic Church and to unite as one.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Father Namora, Father Adrian, four leaders, six teachers and four youth ministers will join the young Pilgrims on their journey of faith.

The group will start their travels in Mexico City for a day of Ministry followed by a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe before WYD begins on 22 January with an opening Mass led by the local Bishop.

Throughout the week, the Pilgrims will participate in Catechesis, Stations of the Cross and a pilgrimage to the site of a Vigil Mass on the Saturday night. It is expected that the final Mass with the Pope will have an attendance of over 1 million.

Following the WYD celebration, the Pilgrims will have the special opportunity to visit the Panama Canal and Mirafores Locks with a private Mass at a local church.

Archbishop, Father Namora and Father Adrian on their personal pilgrimage experiences, before arriving back in Canberra on 2 February.

Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Religious Education and Faith Formation Officer, Lisa Mammoliti said, “The Pilgrims have been preparing and are excited to engage in a personal pilgrimage of faith. We are looking forward to sharing their experiences and encounters with school communities and parishes.”