WYD is an encounter of young people from all around the world with the Pope amidst a festive, religious, and cultural atmosphere. "WYD is much more than an event. It is a time of deep and spiritual renewal; its fruits benefit the whole of society" said Pope Benedict XVI.
The WYD celebrations will begin with an opening ceremony and Mass in Santa Maria La Antigua Field.
Pope Francis will arrive in Panama on 23 January, and a welcoming ceremony will be held the following day. The Way of the Cross will be held on Friday afternoon. On Saturday night, a vigil and overnight sleep out will take place in Saint John Paul II Field, Metro Park.
Sunday morning will be the highlight - Mass for World Youth Day with Pope Francis as well as the announcement of the next World Youth Day location.
Pope Francis will also meet with the President of the Republic, Central American Bishops, visit a juvenile detention centre and thank World Youth Day volunteers before his departure on Sunday 27 January.
The official program and information can be found on the website https://www.panama2019.pa/en/home/.
All of the major events of WYD will be streamed live from shalomworld.org/wyd.
Shalom World has been named by the Archdiocese of Panama as the official media partner of World Youth Day 2019.
The live coverage will include all major WYD occurrences, including events with Pope Francis. It will feature music bands from various continents performing on several major stages and will cover Faith & Culture exhibits held at more than 15 locations across Panama. Pilgrims from around the world will participate in catechetical sessions, pilgrimage walks, Stations of the Cross, and much more.
|
Event |
Time in Panama |
Time in Maitland-Newcastle to watch online |
|
Welcoming Ceremony and opening of WYD |
5.30pm Thursday |
9.30am Friday 25 January |
|
Way of the Cross |
5.30pm Friday |
9.30am Saturday 26 January |
|
Vigil |
6.30pm Saturday |
10.30am Sunday 27 January |
|
WYD Mass |
8am Sunday |
Midnight Monday 28 January |
The official song for World Youth Day is called Here I Am, The Servant of the Lord.
It is inspired by characteristic Panamanian rhythms and the official slogan chosen by the Holy Father "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38). It was written and composed by Abdiel Jiménez.
Listen here.