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| Saint John Paul II greets young people at the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver (CNS photo / Joe Rimkus Jr.) |
The young
faithful of Poland celebrated with joy when Pope Francis announced that the 31st World Youth Day would be held in Krakow. During the late summer
months of 2016, thousands of young people will gather in Saint John Paul II’s beloved country in order to celebrate the Love that they all share.
Did you know
that this will be the second time that World Youth Day is celebrated in Poland?
The 6th World Youth Day was hosted in Czestochowa, Poland
back in 1991.
Led by the theme, “You have received a spirit of sonship” (Rom 8:15), Saint John Paul
II said Mass for thousands of youth there on the solemnity of the Assumption.
He noted the presence of those from eastern Europe, “a great gift of the Holy
Spirit” after the fall of Communism (Weigel, Witness to Hope,
650-651). The patron saint of World Youth Days challenged those and others to
work towards building a civilization of love.
In his message for the 6th World Youth Day, St. John Paul II
said:
‘Young people, do not be
afraid to be holy!’ Fly high, be among those whose goals are worthy of sons and
daughters of God. Glorify God in your lives!
Let us join the sainted pontiff in praying for all
of those young people preparing for the 31st World Youth Day in
Krakow, that they may glorify God with each day of their lives.
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