World Youth Day (WYD) is more than just a meeting to which millions of young people flock. WYD is a testimony of a living Church that is continually being renewed. Youth are the main players in this meeting of faith, hope and unity. The main goal of WYD is to inspire young people with Christ’s message. It is also true that, through them, the young ‘face’ of Jesus is shown to the world.

WYD is celebrated every two to three years in a different city, from around the world. The previous one was held in Madrid, Spain. The upcoming one, here in Rio de Janeiro, will take place from July 23 to 28.

Everyone is welcome to come! It doesn't matter what nationality, race, religion or creed you belong to. WYD is a truly catholic (meaning universal) experience. The more the merrier!

The first WYD was celebrated in Rome, in 1986 at the diocesan level. The origin of the event is the meeting between John Paul II and young people in 1984 and 1985. In 1984, at the close of the Holy Year of Redemption, the International Jubilee of Youth was celebrated in St. Peter’s square in Vatican City, and the WYD Cross was given to the youth. In 1985 the Holy Father announced the institution of World Youth Day.

“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19) is the theme of WYD Rio2013. The theme was announced by Pope Benedict XVI on the 24th of August, 2011. The theme calls each of us to be firm in the faith and boldly go out into the world and spread the Gospel and Christ's message to everyone we meet.

Click here to register: http://www.rio2013.com/en/registration