News Release #345

Released July 16, 2002

New Ulm – The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, along with approximately 33 youth and adult leaders from throughout the 15 southern Minnesota counties of the New Ulm diocese, will participate in the 2002 World Youth Day, a biennial initiative of Pope John Paul II, first launched in 1984. This year's youth conference and papal visit takes place in Toronto, Canada, July 23-28.

The WYD theme, "You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world" is Pope John Paul II's message to young people inviting them to World Youth Day. Other international gatherings with the pope have taken place in Argentina, Spain, Poland, Philippines, France, Italy and Denver, Colorado. More than 52,000 young people and 125 bishops from the United States are expected to attend this year's event which will feature a 13-foot wooden cross that has been carried across much of Canada a d to ground zero in New York before reaching its final destination in Canada in early June.

The gathering will focus on different themes, including baptism and Christian identity, evangelization and transforming the world, and reconciliation with other cultures and generations. The agenda consists of speeches, musical performances, a prayer vigil, appearances by the Holy Father, and an assortment of social service opportunities. According to Bill Casey, director of the New Ulm Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and a WYD group leader, "This a great opportunity for the youth of the diocese to not only participate in an historic event, but also gather together with Catholic youth from all over the world to learn about their faith and celebrate with the pope."