The welcome mass is celebrated by the local ordinary of the host diocese and inaugurates World Youth Day. It is the first large gathering of all WYD pilgrims.

For three days, in the morning, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops meet groups of young people that speak the same language for an informal preaching and witness of the faith. Pilgrims are invited to ask questions and few pilgrims share their testimony as well. The gathering ends with a Mass. Pilgrims have the afternoons and evenings to attend various events or explore the region.

Jesus Youth US usually joins the English-speaking center that coordinates talks, music, and Eucharistic adoration. It’s a great opportunity to meet others and experience fellowship among Jesus Youth pilgrims. The past adorations have also been moments of profound conversion and healing for many pilgrims.

The welcome is celebrated the same day that the Pope arrives. He will sometimes hover in a helicopter, blessing all those present. The Pope not only welcomes all the young people, but we participate in welcoming the pope. The pope’s arrival and papal address inaugurates World Youth Day!

On Friday, the local diocese and volunteers help pilgrims contemplate the Way of the Cross in a creative way, with reflections that pilgrims follow by listening to translations on the radio and following along in their pilgrim booklets.

Pilgrims gather in a large space, set up for an overnight stay, for adoration. Adoration does not last the whole night! However, the journey to the location of the vigil is a long walk and can be quite tiresome. This is an opportunity to truly “walk together” as the People of God, relying on the Lord to provide in moments of discomfort and weariness.

In the evening the Pope arrives, and passes through the crowds in the “Popemobile.” The Holy Father then leads adoration and benediction. Pilgrims spend the night in the open field, sleeping in sleeping bags. Those who aren’t sleeping, dance, pray and celebrate their faith through the night until the Closing Mass on Sunday morning.

After the vigil, the Pope comes back the next morning to celebrate the final mass. The field is filled with a festive display of many country flags as pilgrims prepare for the final blessing. All priests are invited to concelebrate, and at the end of the mass, the Pope announces the year and location of the next World Youth Day, which is often preceded with great anticipation.

After the vigil, the Pope comes back the next morning to celebrate the final mass. The field is filled with a festive display of many country flags as pilgrims prepare for the final blessing. All priests are invited to concelebrate, and at the end of the mass, the Pope announces the year and location of the next World Youth Day, which is often preceded with great anticipation.