A delegation of youth and young adults from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will depart on a pilgrimage to Brazil that focuses on World Youth Day (WYD) with Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro from July 23-28, 2013. This will be Pope Francis' first appearance at World Youth Day as the Holy Father.

Young people from parishes throughout the Philadelphia area will attend WYD, 20 of whom will also visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil. This Basilica is the fourth most popular Marian shrine in the world. More than 9,500 young people from the United States are expected to attend WYD. Local participation is being coordinated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Catechetical Formation.

Photo Opportunity: Pilgrims departing for World Youth Day

Monday, July 22, 2013
Approximate departure time- 12:00 p.m.
Saint David Church
316 North Easton Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap. will gather with the Philadelphia contingency at the United States Gathering on July 24th at the Vivo Veranda in Rio de Janeiro.

World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of Catholic youth with the Holy Father, established by Pope John Paul II in 1985. It is celebrated annually in Rome at the diocesan level on Palm Sunday and at a week-long event international every two to three years.

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Editor's Notes: Elizabeth Riordan from the Office for Catechetical Formation will be available for interviews while on the Pilgrimage. To arrange an interview, please contact the Office for Communications at 215-587-3747.
Follow the Philadelphia pilgrims on Facebook by visiting: Philly-Catholic-Youth-Young-Adult-Ministry/185808491583742

For more information on World Youth Day, please visit its official website at rio2013.com/en.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747