How John Paul II was close to me in WYD 2002 In 2002, I was 16 years old and had just finished grade 10. That summer was my first time attending World Youth Day. My parents raised me Catholic and every Sunday we went diligently to mass. I remember often resisting mass, and just felt ...read more

Today’s photo is from WYD 2002. Pope John Paul II arrives for the closing Mass at Downsview Park, accompanied by young people in the traditional costume from their native countries. An estimated 800,000 people participated in the closing Mass. ...read more

Top Ten Quotes From Pope John Paul II at WYD 2002 ...read more

Today’s photo of the day is courtesy of WYD Rio 2013. The official WYD prayer was launched July 13 during a mass with Archbishop Joao Orani Tempesta. A participant holds the sheet of paper with images of the WYD patrons saints and intercessors printed on it. The words in the centre of the page say ...read more

Who would seriously not want to receive a text message from Blessed John Paul II? It turns out Pope John Paul II did in fact leave us not just a simple text message, but the whole text of his message! His words at World Youth Day in Toronto were his heartfelt words addressed especially to ...read more

As we relive the highlights of World Youth Day 2002, Pedro sits with Catholic singer/songwriter Sarah Hart to speak about her ministry and her music. ...read more

Today’s Photo of the Day comes from Niger. A small S+L crew is on the ground in Niger for a special project. Their accommodations in Niamey feature an outdoor seating area that is home to some interesting wildlife. Cameraman David LeRoss and Associate Producer Andrew Santos can be seen trying to capture a photo of ...read more

Our approach to Youth Ministry varies from country to country and in Canada from Province to Province, but Fr. John Yake, argues that there is a model for youth ministry that can be followed. This is why programs such as COR (Christ in Others Retreat) and World Youth Day are successful in making disciples. ...read more

When I think of World Youth Day 2002, it’s funny, because I actually don’t feel like I attended the event. Silly thing, really, since for two years I worked with the WYD2002 National Office helping prepare and run the event. My job was Artistic Director, meaning that I was in charge of all artistic programming. ...read more