World Youth Day 2016

My dear hearts,

Did you know that next year Krakow will host the World Youth Day? In 1984 at the close of the Holy Year of Redemption, over 300,000 young people from around the world responded to the invitation of His Holiness John Paul II for an International Jubilee of youth on Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s square. Looking out to the crowds who answered his invitation he said, “What a fantastic spectacle is presented on this stage by your gathering here today! Who claimed that today’s youth has lost their sense of values? Is it really true that they cannot be counted on?” It was at this gathering that the Holy Father entrusted to the youth what is now known as the World Youth Day Cross, to be carried throughout the world as a symbol of the love of Christ for humanity.

The following Palm Sunday, coinciding with the United Nation’s International Year of the Youth, Pope John Paul the 2nd took the opportunity to welcome the youth of the world to Rome again. Later, announcing the institution of World Youth Day on December 20, 1985, and the first official WYD was held in 1986.

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In Toronto, the last International WYD in which JPII was present he told the 800,000 gathered with him at the vigil, “When, back in 1985, I wanted to start the World Youth Days… I imagined a powerful moment in which the young people of the world could meet Christ, who is eternally young, and could learn from him how to be bearers of the Gospel to other young people. This evening, together with you, I praise God and give thanks to him for the gift bestowed on the Church through the World Youth Days. Millions of young people have taken part, and as a result have become better and more committed Christian witnesses.”

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John Paul II left a legacy for the youth in his institution of World Youth Day, which Pope Benedict XVI has faithfully continued, carrying on the hope of His predecessor for the youth of the world, inviting them and commissioning them as Christ’s disciples to be faithful living witnesses.

Countdown clock on the St. Mary Church - Main Square - Krakow - Poland (source)

World Youth Day will be held in Krakow, Poland July 25 – 31, 2016. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is hard at work planning the many important and interesting events which make up the WYD festivities. You can track the LOC’s progress in Latest News on their official site. There is also a brand new site created especially for the World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow. These 2 sites are the official sources and are always up-to-date with the latest news. They also have a lot of tips & tricks for the people who have never been to Poland (or Krakow). But if you are for the first time in Poland, I recommend you to drop by my What To Visit In Poland Page ;) and if you wish to know more about How To... do things in Poland also drop there and check out my tips & tricks ;)

Countdown clock on the St. Mary Church - Main Square - Krakow - Poland (source)

A Countdown Clock was placed right above the entrance to the St. Mary Church (Mariacki Kosciol) that shows how many days-hours-minutes-seconds there still remain until the World Youth Day 2016 Krakow. Also the city is getting more and more prepared by improving the road and rail links. This year Krakow also bought a fleet of the newest model of trams and buses & the International John Paul 2nd Airport has been redone - new terminal with the additional fast train line from the airport to the city center (Galeria Krakowska). World Youth Day organizers expect the 13th international event will attract more than 2 million people from around the world. How about you? Are you planning to come to Krakow next year? Do you have any questions that I could help you with? :)

Yours truly,
The Twisted Red LadyBug That Wonders How Many People Will Come In For The WYD Next Year