ADVISORY: World Youth Day 2016

ADVISORY To: Members of the News Media From: USCCB Office of Public Affairs Date: July 25, 2016 Re: World Youth Day 2016 WASHINGTON—More than 40,000 Americans are registered to attend World Youth Day (WYD), July 26-31, in Krakow, Poland.

ADVISORY

To: Members of the News Media
From: USCCB Office of Public Affairs
Date: July 25, 2016
Re: World Youth Day 2016

WASHINGTON—More than 40,000 Americans are registered to attend World Youth Day (WYD), July 26-31, in Krakow, Poland. To assist this record breaking number of participants from the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth has lined up a variety of resources below.

″  The 40,000 Americans registered to attend WYD represent the largest delegation of U.S. pilgrims participating in a WYD outside of North America, just behind WYD 1993 in Denver and WYD 2002 in Toronto; most of the participants are young adults, ages 18-30. In addition, 85 U.S. bishops are registered, this is also the largest number of bishops attending a WYD celebration outside of North America.  

″  Thirteen U.S. bishops have been selected as catechists: Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York; Cardinal Seán O'Malley of Boston; Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver; Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia; Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago; Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky; Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami; Bishop Robert Barron, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles; Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau, Alaska; Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport; Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo, New York; Bishop Robert McManus of Worcester, Massachusetts; and Bishop Alberto Rojas, auxiliary bishop of Chicago.

″  Two major events for U.S. pilgrims will take place in Poland, at Tauron Arena Krakow: the U.S. National Gathering and Prayer Experience, scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, at 5 p.m., and the U.S. National Mass for Pilgrims, on Saturday, July 30, at 9 a.m. Also, an International English Language Center called "Mercy Center," located at Tauron Arena Krakow and hosted by the Knights of Columbus, will provide a variety of English-language programs and activities for pilgrims.

″  An USCCB office to give support for bishops, group leaders, and in case of emergencies is located at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Krakow.  

″  Some dioceses and archdioceses around the country have also organized events to celebrate WYD concurrent with the international gathering. A full list of stateside celebrations is available at www.usccb.org/about/world-youth-day/stateside-wyd-celebrations.cfm.

The following digital resources are aimed to facilitate information to those on the journey abroad and to provide access to a virtual pilgrimage for those unable to travel:  

″  Through the free mobile app Pilgrimage, followers will have access to content to help them unpack the meaning of the pilgrimage and put works of mercy into action. Digital content include 360-degree video of World Youth Day events, daily readings and prayers. The app has been developed in collaboration with American Bible Society and can be downloaded from Android and Apple app stores.

″  Also, in collaboration with the Catholic Apostolate Center, content such as interviews with bishops, schedule of events, exclusive videos for digital pilgrims, blogs and other resources will be available at www.wyd2016.us. The latest updates on news, photos and videos will be provided on the USCCB's Facebook and Twitter, Hashtag: #WYDUSA.

More information is available through the national WYDUSA office at www.wydusa.org.

For interview requests for Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, USCCB president, or Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, USCCB episcopal liaison for WYD, from news media in Poland, contact: Matt Palmer, @email. All other questions from media should be emailed to: Norma Montenegro Flynn, @email.
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