On Wednesday 10th July, the Kummissjoni Djoċesana Żgħażagħ Malta (Diocesan Youth Commission) group of youths will be leaving Malta to join over two million young people who are expected to attend the World Youth Day celebrations in Brazil. In total, 80 Maltese youths will be attending these celebrations. The theme chosen by Pope Benedict XVI is “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28, 19).
Pope Francis will lead the World Youth Day celebrations which include prayers, culture festivals, teachings by bishops and cardinals, the traditional via crucis, a night vigil and a concluding Mass on Sunday June 28 (World Youth Day). Pope Francis will also be visiting one of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro.
The Maltese delegation will be led by Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of Malta, who was also invited to give teachings to international youth during the three days of catecheses leading to World Youth Day. The Maltese group was also asked to animate a series of catecheses for english-speaking participants
Prior to the week of the World Youth Day celebrations, the young Maltese pilgrims will visit a parish run by Gozitan priest Fr Jose Agius – Sao Jose in Rolandia, Parana. They will be hosted by local families and will engage in direct voluntary work with the youth of the community.
The World Youth Day celebration was established by Pope John Paul II in 1983. This year’s celebration is the 14th edition, which will be held between July 21 and 28 in Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil.