Remembering World Youth Day Denver

Cheridan Sanders

August 26, 2013

In light of the 20th anniversary of World Youth Day Denver, which drew more than 750,000 people to the Mile High City, I'm sharing the following photos from Catholic News Service with you. Many priests, religious and lay people attribute their vocations to an experience they had at Denver. In fact, reflecting 20 years later on the momentous event, Denver's Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila said Pope John Paul's visit remains a blessing and a gift to Colorado and the world. With that in mind, we start with a pic of Pope John Paul greeting young people at Denver's Mile High Stadium in 1993.

1993 file photo of Blessed John Paul II in Denver for World Youth Day

Next, find two images from the anniversary gathering that was held just over a week ago. Below people gather at the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization to mark the anniversary.

People gather at archdiocesan center to mark 20th anniversary of World Youth Day Denver

Colorado teens Kinga Steczko, Susana Delgado and Fernando De La Rosa take part in the celebration at the Center.

Having just returned from WYD Rio, I know that this past World Youth Day has changed many lives as well. When I think back to World Youth Day Toronto and Madrid, I now recognize these events as turning points in my own spiritual journey towards Christ. The Lord always invites us to be gathered together, to celebrate the great grace of the Church's presence in the world and as we journey towards the next in Kraków, Poland I can't wait to see what unfolds.

CNS photo/Joe Rimkus Jr.
CNS photo/Daniel Petty