These words from St Paul’s letter to the Colossians provide the theme for the eleventh international World Youth Day to be held in Madrid, Spain from 16 – 21 August 2011. Inaugurated by Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day provides an opportunity for young Catholics from many nations to gather in friendship and solidarity to learn more about their faith and grow closer to Jesus Christ.

The young people will travel as pilgrims and be joined by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI whose presence makes manifest the Church’s love for youth and her constant concern to proclaim the message of Christ to them. The World Youth Day itself is often preceded by Days in the Diocese during which the young pilgrims become better acquainted with the culture and spiritual heritage of the host country.

Many young people will attend this year’s World Youth Day from the Archdiocese of Armagh. A number of the group has experience of the previous event which was held in Sydney, Australia in 2008.

The video below provides a brief history of World Youth Day. The official website is regularly updated and offers excellent resources including multimedia and material to aid spiritual preparation. The link to the Armagh Archdiocese website contains information for pilgrims travelling officially with the diocese.

Official World Youth Day 2011 website

Armagh Archdiocese WYD section