The pilgrimage is called, ‘In the Footsteps of the Saints’ and this is an apt title given that pilgrims will visit historic sites in Venice, Padua, Milan, Siena, Assisi, Cascia and Rome to learn more about St Mark, St Anthony, St Dominic, St Francis, St Clare, St Rita and of course, Sts Peter and Paul.
Once in Poland pilgrims will have the chance to visit Saint John Paul II’s home town and places of significance to him throughout his life.
The WYD week will be a non-stop celebration of faith with around 3 million young people from all over the world in attendance in Krakow. Pope Francis arrives on Thursday 28 July and a welcoming ceremony will be held that afternoon. The Way of the Cross will take place throughout Krakow on the Friday. Pilgrims will walk 13km to the outskirts of Krakow for a Vigil with the Holy Father on Saturday 30 July before camping out overnight in anticipation of the Final Mass on Sunday 31 July.
At the conclusion of WYD celebrations the diocesan pilgrims will travel to the Beskidy Mountains for a retreat which will include what will no doubt be an emotional trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
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