World Youth Day (WYD) is an international encounter with the Holy Father celebrated every three years in a different country. The massive celebration for young people between the ages of 15 and 35 began in 1985 by St. John Paul II and continues to be a worldwide tradition.

This year, WYD is Jan. 22-27 in Panamá City, Panamá. For those unable to travel to Panamá, the WYD Stateside event will be hosted by the diocese on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine.

The celebration is from 2 to 5 p.m. with a concert by Epic the Band. Joel Stepanek, director of resource development for Life Teen International, is the keynote speaker.

Video footage from WYD Panamá will be live-streamed locally. The event includes adoration, reconciliation, and Mass celebrated by Father Richard Pagano at the Rustic Altar.

Everyone is welcome! For details, call Robin Shipley at (904) 262-3200, ext. 189 or email rshipley@dosafl.com.