Canadian Catholic Bishops and Youth Journey to Panama to Participate in World Youth Day 22-27 January 2019

Tuesday, January 15 2019

Ottawa – With only days remaining until the official start of 2019 World Youth Day (WYD) encounter from 22-27 January, Catholic youth and young adult pilgrims from around the world are descending upon Panama City, Panama. Held every two to three years, World Youth Day is an international gathering of youth and young adults (15-30 years old) for a celebration of the Catholic faith. Numerous Bishops, priests, consecrated people, and lay faithful also take part in gathering to experience their common faith in Christ. It is estimated that some 500,000 people will participate in this year’s event with an emphasis on prayer, spiritual formation, and cultural exchange.

Canada will be represented in Panama by a strong delegation of more than 1,000 pilgrims representing over 20 dioceses, religious institutes, and ecclesial movements from across the country. In addition, nine Bishops from Canada will attend WYD to accompany the pilgrims during the encounter. The Bishops attending WYD are: the Most Reverend Lionel Gendron, P.S.S., Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, the Most Reverend Denis Grondin, Archbishop of Rimouski, the Most Reverend Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montréal, the Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, S.J., Archbishop of Ottawa, the Most Reverend Jean-Pierre Blais, Bishop of Baie-Comeau, the Most Reverend Christian Rodembourg, M.S.A., Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe, the Most Reverend Noël Simard, Bishop of Valleyfield, and the Most Reverend Brian Bayda, C.Ss.R., Ukranian Eparchial Bishop of Saskatoon. The Bishops in attendance will be joined by 18 priests, 30 volunteers and 11 representatives from the media. A number of Bishops from Canada will likewise be giving catechesis during the days in Panama City.

On Saturday 19 January, two Canadian participants, Kevin Reda and Kimberly Fontes, will attend a special one-day conference on the safeguarding of creation under the theme Youth for the Common House. Ecological Conversion in Action and inspired by Pope Francis’ message on the environment, Laudato Sí.

Media Coverage for World Youth Day
Looking to watch coverage of WYD from the comfort of your home? Canada’s Salt +Light Television will broadcast all the major events from WYD live on their television network and on their website. Please visit the Salt + Light WYD Central website for more information.