Local celebration, in conjunction with international event, will conclude with Mass with Bishop Bonnar on Saturday, August 5 at 7pm
In conjunction with “World Youth Day” being held this week in Portugal with Pope Francis, the Diocese of Youngstown is preparing to welcome young adults ages 18-39 to its local “World Youth Day Summer Festival,” hosted at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cortland (4689 Niles-Cortland Road). The event begins tonight, Friday, at 6pm. It will continue through Saturday and conclude with Mass with Bishop David Bonnar at 7pm. The festival will include guest speakers, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with praise and worship and the opportunity for confession, a Rosary procession, food, and fellowship. In addition to those pre-registered, young adults coming for the festival can register on site either day. The cost to defray expenses is $30.
Internationally, World Youth Day was established by St. John Paul II as an opportunity for young people to gather and celebrate their faith together. (World Youth Day is intended primarily for young adults, ages 18-39, as an aspect of the Church’s ministry with young adults). This week, thousands of young people are currently gathering in Lisbon, Portugal for a week of prayer, conferences and fellowship, led by our Holy Father Pope Francis.
The local diocesan celebration of World Youth Day is sponsored by the Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Father Ryan Furlong serves as Director of the Office, whose purpose is to animate ministry in parish youth ministries, high school campus ministries, and with parish and diocesan initiatives among young adults, ages 18-39. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry includes leadership teams for various youth and young adult ministry projects, including the World Youth Day Festival team. Father Furlong is also pastor of St. Thomas Parish in Vienna, St. William in Champion, and St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland.
