World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon tour US

Washington D.C., Aug 25, 2018 / 15:09 pm

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has organized a tour of of the official World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon to mark the 25th anniversary of the World Youth Day which was held in Denver.

"Each of the five locations will feature special events and liturgical celebrations in commemoration of this historic journey," according an Aug. 23 statement from the USCCB.

The Aug. 19-27 tour includes stops in Chicago, Miami, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

"We want women and men of all ages to come out and encounter these important symbols of faith when they are here in our country," said Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport, who serves as the USCCB's chief liaison for World Youth Day.

"In addition to those preparing to go to Panamá, we hope that young people and young adults who are unable to travel to World Youth Day next year will be part of these local celebrations. We also hope that veterans of past World Youth Days, including those who went to Denver in 1993, will have a chance to join us along the way."

From the US, the World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon will go to Panama in advance of the January 2019 World Youth Day being held there.

The USCCB stated that "at least ten U.S. bishops will be part of the pilgrimage", listing Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, Archbishop Wenski of Miami, Bishop Caggiano, Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond, Auxiliary Bishop Roy Campbell of Washington, Auxiliary Bishop Mario Dorsonville-Rodriguez of Washington, Auxiliary Bishop George Rassas of Chicago, Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz of Galveston-Houston, and Auxiliary Bishop Marc Trudeau of Los Angeles.

Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama will be present at the events in Miami and Washington, D.C.