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April 29, 201815 April 2018 (Abu Dhabi).
The World Youth Days are an annual gathering of young people in the Church which takes place annually during Palm Sunday in many local dioceses around the world. Begun by Pope John Paul II after two succesful international gatherings of young people in Rome in 1984 and 1985, the Youth Days, especially the international ones which take place every two or three years have gained much momentum and popularity in recent years.
World Youth Days culminate as great celebrations of prayer, worship and celebration of the Catholic Faith by young people with the Holy Father. Catholic youth around the world are eagerly looking forward for the upcoming World Youth Day in Panama, which takes place from 22-27 January 2019.
On Palm Sunday (or rather, Palm "Friday" 23 March 2018), the local World Youth Day was celebrated in Dubai, bringing together almost 400 young people from all over the UAE at St. Francis Parish, Jebel Ali with Bishop Paul Hinder and seven priests. Sessions included praise and worship, adoration, Stations of the Cross and Holy Mass with the Bishop.
A highlight of the event was the installation of the World Youth Day Cross. The Cross, made out of 8 blocks of wood, represents the parishes of the United Arab Emirates. The base, a separate piece, signifies the 'Rock' on which the Church is built. All the 9 pieces were carried in a procession at the beginning of the celebration. At the end of the Mass, the Cross was entrusted to the young participants by Bishop Paul to be carried across the various parishes.MEDIA: