World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Lisbon, Portugal this week from Tuesday 1st August to Sunday 6th August. Pope Francis will attend the event next weekend. Since the beginning of World Youth Day in 1986 by the late Pope John Paul II, it has been held in cities across the world such as Buenos Aires, Paris, Toronto, Rome, Sydney, and most recently in Panama City.
The purpose of World Youth Day is to take up the main concern of Pope John Paul II, a renewal of faith that will reach young people. Throughout the past 25 years of WYD, huge numbers across the globe have come together to pray and worship in a festive atmosphere of music, song, and more.
22 young people from the Diocese of Killaloe under the leadership of Fr. Donagh O’Meara and Deirdre Convey will represent the Diocese this week at this great international gathering of young people from all around the world. The parish of Ennis will be represented by sisters, Simran and Rebecca Inaya, who faithfully serve the 11:30am Mass each Sunday. Joanna Lacka will also represent the Parish. Please pray for them and for all young people seeking God in their lives.
Our thanks to Emma Murray, Fr Anthony, and the Vatican Press Office for the photographs.