World Youth Day Rio July 16-31, 2013 Information Package - Archdiocese of Winnipeg Office of Youth and Young Adults
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World Youth Day Rio
July 16-31, 2013
Information Package
Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Office of Youth and Young AdultsContents
World Youth Day background information 3
Important Information and general trip overview 3
Culture and crowds 3
Weather 3
Planning ahead 3
Vacation vs. Pilgrimage 4
Safety and movement of the group 4
Communication 4
Spiritual preparations 4
Spiritual directors 4
Pilgrimage Coordinator 5
Practicing love 5
Schedule of events 5
Detailed Program Information 6
Travel to Brazil 6
Missionary Week 6
World Youth Day 6
Return trip to Winnipeg 8
Other considerations 8
Cost, deadlines and registration 8
Liability forms and age restrictions 9
Security 9
Visa requirements and immunizations 9
Catechesis and spiritual prep 9
Website links 10
Important Dates 10
FAQ’s 10
2WORLD YOUTH DAY BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In 1984 the International Jubilee for the Young was celebrated by John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square in a
celebration that also marked the close of the Holy Year of Redemption. At this gathering the Holy Father
entrusted youth with what is now known as the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross - one of the most
important symbols of WYD.
The UN declared 1985 the first “International Youth Year” and to celebrate it the Holy Father welcomed
youth from all over the world in Rome on Palm Sunday. In December of the same year he announced
the institution of World Youth Day. It is celebrated annually at the diocesan level on Palm Sunday in
Rome and at a week-long event internationally every two to three years.
Each World Youth Day, the World Youth Day cross travels around the host country in the years
preceding the International gathering. The Holy Father also names a theme that will permeate the
celebrations. The theme for 2013 is, “Go and make disciples of all nations”, which comes from the
gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verse 19. There are also a number of Saints that are chosen to be
patrons. The theme and patron Saints can be very useful to help you prepare for the celebrations and
catechesis that happens during the World Youth Day, and much more detailed information about them
can be found on the WYD Rio website (www.rio2013.com/en). It is highly recommended that you go to
the website and become very familiar with all of the information that it contains, as it will help you in
trip planning, spiritual and practical preparations for the pilgrimage, and offers venues for you to ask
questions of the organizers if you need help with something specific.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND GENERAL TRIP OVERVIEW
If you have never attended a World Youth Day before, it will be an experience you will not soon forget!
More detailed information follows in other sections of this preparation manual, but the quick walk-
through of what you can expect, and how you should prepare, is as follows:
- CULTURE AND CROWDS: You are traveling to a foreign country where millions of people are
converging. The crowds and culture, even though they can be very exciting and encouraging, can
also be overwhelming. It can even be dangerous if pilgrims are not careful and prepared for
what they will encounter. Read up on the culture, climate and possible pitfalls before you leave
to be sure that you are as prepared as possible.
- WEATHER: The weather for this World Youth Day is likely to be less extreme than some past
celebrations, as it is the winter season in Brazil during July. Don’t let this fool you, though!
Temperatures will still soar during the daytime, and can be interspersed with cool evenings.
Google some information about Brazilian climate so that you can be prepared to bring the
proper types of clothing for the weather that you will experience.
- PLANNING AHEAD: All the aspects of the trip (catechesis location, bus or subway routes, events
from the Cultural Guide you would like to attend, etc.) will be planned out as much as possible
before the group departs Winnipeg. Make sure that you read your emails and preparation
material received from the group leaders thoroughly and ask whatever questions you need to in
order to be prepared for all the events the group will be part of.
3- VACATION VS. PILGRIMAGE: Always remember: going to World Youth Day is NOT a vacation…it
is a PILGRIMAGE! You will be faced with many challenges while in Brazil, from unfamiliar or
scarce food, to possibly-not-the-best lodgings (sometimes the only showers available are cold
outdoor ones!), to long wait times and huge crowds, to missing/being late for/having to leave
early from key events. It’s important not to come with expectations about what will happen, or
what you want to see. God has a plan for you, and for everything that he wants to bring to you
on this pilgrimage. If you go to World Youth Day with the goal of seeing the Pope, or getting up
close for main events, etc., then you risk missing the things that God is wanting to bless you
with. Coming with a heart that is seeking Christ above all will ensure that the experience will not
leave you feeling like you have “missed out” on something, but instead will leave you open to
simply “being” and letting God lead you deeper into Himself in whatever way He knows you
need!
- SAFETY AND MOVEMENT OF THE GROUP: In order to help you to move around efficiently and
to maximize safety, pilgrims will be broken into small groups. Groups of 5-6 can travel more
effectively, and your risk of losing people along the way lessens significantly. It is essential that
every person has a partner from within their small group who is always with them, even to go to
the bathroom. No person should EVER be alone at ANY point in time, even if it is just to walk
down the street to get a bottle of water. For the larger events (catechesis, the opening
celebration, welcoming of the Holy Father, Stations of the Cross, closing vigil and Mass), the
whole group will likely travel together in order to sit together at your destination. Trying to find
other groups in World Youth Day-sized crowds is very unlikely.
- COMMUNICATION: If your cell phone is unlocked and you are able to remove your SIM card,
you can buy local SIM cards in Brazil. Having a phone with a local SIM card in each group will
allow you to text message and call very inexpensively while you are there so that you can
coordinate. The whole group will meet together at the beginning of each day to check in, hear
announcements from the group leader, and pray together. It is also advised that each small
group have a “daily check-in” where they can pray together and share any joys or challenges
from each day.
- SPIRITUAL PREPARATION: Spiritual preparation is very important! No one should go to World
Youth Day who has not partaken in at least some form of spiritual prep. Please see the section
of this manual detailing spiritual preparation ideas and events offered here in Winnipeg, or use
the inspiration of the theme and patron Saints to dive into things on your own. It is, however,
strongly recommended that you do spiritual prep as a parish group, as well as take part in
spiritual preparation sessions with the whole group that will be offered in conjunction with
Winnipeg’s Chemin Neuf community. This will help solidify relationships and will allow you to
share your pilgrimage with people that you know and trust, both on a large group and small
group level. Having times for small group bonding can be an excellent time to prepare spiritually
with the people that you will be closest to while in Rio.
- SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: Fr. Andre Lico, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Winnipeg and a member
of a Brazilian religious order, will be the spiritual director for the group. He will assist at the
spiritual preparations prior to World Youth Day, and will say Mass for the group and hear
confessions. He will also be available during the trip for individual direction.
4- PILGRIMAGE COORDINATOR: Henrique Braga will be the WYD 2013 pilgrimage coordinator. He
is the youth leader at Immaculate Conception Parish in Winnipeg, and speaks fluent Portuguese.
He will work together with other members of the parish, as well as with members of the Chemin
Neuf community and the Archdiocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults in taking care of all
preparations and administration for the WYD Rio pilgrimage.
- PRACTICING LOVE: Practice dying to self now, so that you can be prepared to die to self on your
pilgrimage! Dying to self is a way of describing love. Love means that we are able to choose
what is good for the other, even if it is not what is most convenient or comfortable for
ourselves. For example, it might mean dying to your desire to go to a particular museum while in
Rio because another member of your small group has always dreamed of seeing the “Christ the
Redeemer” statue up close. It might even be as simple as dying to the temptation to complain
about heat, hunger, lineups, etc. because you know that it will dampen the spirits of your
brothers and sisters. It does NOT mean that you ignore your own basic needs (if you need to
stop for water, or you need a rest, tell your group!), but rather that you are able to let God
continually love others through you by bringing any selfish desires to the Cross. Many times it is
not even the “thing” that we need to die to (i.e. Going to the museum), but the disposition of
the heart that we are called to let go of (ie. Having our own way). A useful rule of thumb is that
if you will die without it (food, water, shelter, love, fellowship), you don’t need to die to it. Ask
your spiritual director for guidance on this matter.
- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: More detailed information follows, but the general flow of the trip starts
with travel to Sao Paulo, where the Chemin Neuf community will meet Winnipeg the group to
transport pilgrims to the International Festival (about an hour from the airport). After the
International Festival, pilgrims will travel by bus (about 7 hours) to Rio, where they can meet
their host families. A group leader will arrange getting the Pilgrim packs (bags with free stuff and
all the pilgrim guides that will help you make the most out of your time in Rio) and will distribute
them to pilgrims. World Youth Day starts with the opening ceremonies (presided over by the
local ordinary), and continues with catechesis each morning for three days (there are many,
many locations for this around the city in many, many different languages. The afternoons are a
time for checking out the city, rest, or heading to one of the events listed in the Cultural Guide
(given out in pilgrim packs, but may also be available online before leaving Winnipeg). Usually
on the Wednesday of the week, the Pope will arrive in Rio, and there will be a Welcoming
Ceremony for him that you can attend. On Saturday morning, you have the option of doing a
pilgrimage walk from a designated location to the location of the final vigil and Mass (usually
about 10 km). The vigil with the Holy Father will be held in the evening, and then you will sleep
outdoors that night. World Youth Day will conclude with Sunday Mass with the Holy Father. Our
pilgrims from Winnipeg will then stay in Rio that evening, and then travel to Aparecida the next
day. It is a shine to Our Lady, and pilgrims will have the opportunity to be part of some
“debriefing” and post-WYD activities, as well as having the opportunity to rest and explore the
shrine and city. Pilgrims will then fly home to Winnipeg via Sao Paulo to share everything that
God has given them with their communities here!
5DETAILED PROGRAM INFORMATION
Travel to Brazil: July 16, 2013
Groups from Winnipeg will leave on Tuesday, July 16th, and will travel by plane to Belo Horizonte via
Chicago and Sao Paulo. They will be met at the airport by members of the Chemin Neuf community who
will escort them to the Missionary Week location.
Missionary Week: July 17-21, 2013
Formerly called Days in the Diocese, World Youth Day Rio 2013 will be preceded by a week of missions
that will be called Missionary Week (MW). Throughout Brazil, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims will
participate in spiritual activities, works of solidarity with local communities, as well as missionary and
cultural events. The decision to turn the “Days in the Dioceses” into a mission’s week was made by
Cardinal Stanislaw Rilke, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, during his visit to Rio de Janeiro
in February. Organizers hope to “leave as a legacy to future World Youth Days this experience of leading
young people into missionary discipleship.”
Most pilgrims participate in Missionary Week by going to a diocese outside of Rio de Janeiro and being
hosted in families for the week, however we have chosen to participate in the International Festival with
Chemin Neuf both due to safety concerns, and because their community is present in Winnipeg. They
are an international Catholic community who work in the areas of ecumenism and young adult ministry
(for more information on Chemin Neuf, you can take a look at www.chemin-neuf.org). All 1000+
participants at the International Festival stay together for the entire 5 days at one location, and it
provides an excellent preparation for World Youth Day, both spiritually and communally. The schedule
for the International Festival will be available in the coming months.
World Youth Day: July 22-28, 2013
The Chemin Neuf Community will provide transportation from Belo Horizonte to a local parish in Rio de
Janeiro (approximately 7 hours). We will be staying in host homes provided by a parish located in the
Copacabana area of the city, which is a safe neighborhood that is very close to Copacabana beach where
many of the main events will be held.
Once you arrive at the parish, pilgrims will get their pilgrim packs. These bags contain all of the
information you will need to navigate through the week. Generally included are maps of the city,
transportation maps, meal tickets for all meals during the week, your event pass (DON’T LOSE IT
BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GET INTO ANYTHING WITHOUT IT!!), your transportation pass, the Pilgrim Guide
with all kinds of useful information, a Cultural Guide with information about optional events taking place
in the afternoons, and much more. The pilgrim packs are also very useful for using as day packs, as each
day you will need to carry lots of water, money and important documents like your passport, meal
tickets, maps, extra clothing, etc.
Meal distribution has been widely varied during the different World Youth Days, and this one will likely
be the same. In Madrid, breakfast was provided at the place of lodging, and lunch and supper could be
“purchased” at any of hundreds of restaurants scattered throughout the city using tickets from the meal
booklets. This system worked very well, and may be used again in Brazil. Be prepared for long waits at
times, and to purchase some snacks at local stores to carry with you should meal arrangements have
some hiccups.
6More detailed information on the daily schedule of events is yet to come from the WYD organizers;
however the main events will likely be the same as in other World Youth Days. On the opening day of
World Youth Day, pilgrims will attend the opening ceremonies at Copacabana Beach. Seating is always
challenging at the main events, so those wishing to get a spot in the main section should arrive at least 4
hours ahead of the scheduled start time. Make sure to bring lots of water and food with you, because
once you get there, it is unlikely that you will be able to get back in if you have to leave for some reason.
The Winnipeg groups will attend catechesis sessions with English-speaking Bishops from around the
world each morning for three days, and will have afternoons free. You may spend time doing some
tourist-y activities around the city, or you may choose some of the cultural activities outlined in the
Cultural Guide, or you may choose to take some prayer and rest time at your host homes. Reconciliation
and opportunities for prayer, such as visits to local churches and convents, are also available. Whatever
the choice, NO pilgrim is EVER to be alone at ANY time. Small groups are very useful for these
afternoons, as you can travel around much more easily and safely than in the large group.
The Holy Father generally arrives mid-week, and there will be a welcoming ceremony held for him at
Copacabana Beach. Again, it is even more important to arrive early if you would like to have a good seat,
or even be admitted into the event, as it will fill up very quickly.
During the evenings, there will be other scheduled events that you are free to attend. One of these will
be the Stations of the Cross (presided over by the Holy Father. It is also likely that there will be a “Love
and Life Center”, which is a home base for English-speaking pilgrims. This has not been confirmed, but if
it is present, they will offer a number of excellent speakers and events that you may want to consider
taking in. It is also a great opportunity to meet other English pilgrims from around the world. If you
speak also speak another language, it is possible that there may be similar centers for other cultures.
Again, you will travel to whatever events you choose with your whole small group, so some compromise
and prioritizing may be necessary.
On Saturday, July 27th, there will likely be an option to do a pilgrimage walk to the final Mass site at the
Santa Cruz Air Base. If pilgrims choose to participate, they will need to bring their sleeping bag and all
supplies required for sleeping outdoors that night. The walk can be tremendously rewarding, but also
extremely challenging, so packing light is essential. If there are pilgrims who do not wish to walk, public
transportation will likely bring them fairly close to the site. Once they have arrived at the site, it is
generally another long walk to the group’s assigned seat. In the past there have not been firm
arrangements for group space, so be prepared to arrive very early in the day, otherwise your section
may fill up quickly and the entire group will end up in a section much closer to the back of the field. A
number of people will go ahead of the group in the morning when the gates open to save space in your
section for the entire group, but this becomes more difficult as the day goes on, so pilgrims will all need
to aim to arrive as early as possible. Supper will be provided at the Santa Cruz Air Field.
The Pope will lead evening prayer for the vigil, and then pilgrims will spend the night sleeping under the
stars. They will likely not get much sleep, and should be prepared for inclement weather, lots of sun, and
very long waits for food and washrooms. The Pope will celebrate Mass in the morning, and then pilgrims
will return, very slowly, to their host homes.
7Return Travel to Winnipeg: July 29-31, 2013
The entire group who attended the Chemin Neuf International Festival will travel on July 29 th from Rio
de Janeiro to Aparecida, where the group will stay overnight in a hotel. They will have the opportunity to
visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, as well as to engage in some structured unwinding and
debriefing with the rest of the Winnipeg pilgrims.
Pilgrims will fly back to Winnipeg via Sao Paulo, and will arrive in Winnipeg late on July 30th.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Cost, Deadlines and Registration
Cost
The total cost for this pilgrimage will be $3000 per person. This includes all hotels, meals (except during
air travel), and registrations. It does NOT include meals while traveling from Canada to Brazil and back, a
Brazilian Visa ($107), and a United States transit visa for those who are not on the list of exempted
countries listed at http://www.immihelp.com/visa-waiver-program/ ($160). Canadian, Mexican and
Bermudian citizens do NOT have to purchase a United States transit visa.
The deadline for registration is September 15, 2012. No registrations will be
accepted after this time. To guarantee your spot, a $500 non-refundable deposit
is required. An additional $500 is due by December 15, 2012, and the balance is
due by April 1, 2013. All payments are non-refundable, as plane tickets will be
purchased by the end of September, and they are non-transferrable, as they are
purchased under each pilgrim’s name.
How to register as a Parish group
1. Each parish group must name ONE GROUP LEADER (21 years of age or older as of September
15, 2012) who will communicate with Henri, gather documents and payments from their
parish’s pilgrims, and relay information from Henri back to pilgrims. Henri will provide all
necessary guidance and information to this group leader, as opposed to communicating directly
with all pilgrims. Other pilgrims, please direct all your questions to your group leader, as
opposed to Henri, as your group leader will be the person in contact with the main organizers.
2. Contact Henri Braga at wpgwyd2013@gmail.com with the name and contact information of
your parish group leader, as well as how many pilgrims are in your group and what parish you
are from. You will then receive instructions on how to register your group members for the
pilgrimage, further information about preparations and completion of paperwork and visa
documents, and how to ensure your spots are reserved by paying the $500 deposit/pilgrim.
Until this deposit is paid, your spots cannot be guaranteed.
3. More instruction will be given to group leaders once deposits are paid and numbers are
confirmed. Any questions you have can be directed to Henri.
How to register as an individual
1. If your parish does not have a group attending World Youth Day, or if you do not know if your
parish has a group, please contact Henri at wpgwyd2013@gmail.com with your name, age,
8address, email address, phone number, and home parish to be paired up with another parish
group. This will ensure that you are able to be placed in a small group to have the benefits of
safety and support for the pilgrimage.
2. Once Henri has your contact information, he will let you know how to ensure your spot is
reserved by paying the $500 deposit. Until this deposit is paid, your spot cannot be
guaranteed.
3. More instruction will be given to you once deposits are paid and numbers are confirmed. Any
questions you have can be directed to your parish group leader once Henri has sent you
information about who that will be.
Liability forms and age restrictions
The Archdiocese of Winnipeg will require a list of those travelling, and signed liability release forms for
all pilgrims. Each parish group leader will be responsible for obtaining the liability release forms and
ensuring that they are signed by all pilgrims. These will be sent to you by email after your group is
registered.
The Archdiocesan policy states that participants must be 18 years old at time of travel. WYD is an event
meant for young adults between the ages of 18-35. This policy will be strictly enforced, and also
prohibits minors from traveling, even with a parent or guardian.
Security
Brazil is considered a high-risk country. Pilgrims should exercise a high degree of caution. It is STRONGLY
recommended that pilgrims and leaders read the Canadian Government Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Canada Travel Report on Brazil. It is updated frequently as conditions arise or settle.
You can access information about current travel advisories and recommendations at: www.travel.gc.ca.
Visa Requirements & Immunization
Pilgrims are responsible for acquiring their own travel Visas and immunization shots prior to travelling.
Canadians are required to obtain a travel Visa to enter Brazil. The cost is approximately $107.
Information about how to obtain visas will be given to parish group leaders after their groups are
registered. Pilgrims born in, or having a passport from, a country other than Canada may have additional
requirements for entry into Brazil. For more information, visit this website:
http://ottawa.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/tourist_visa.xml.
You may choose to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever for travel to Brazil, although this immunization is
more specifically needed for travel to the rainforest, which are not included in our itinerary. For more
information about travel health and yellow fever centers, visit www.publichealth.gc.ca.
Catechesis and Spiritual Preparation
A program of catechesis and retreat preparation will be available through the pilgrimage coordinators at
Immaculate Conception. Those who are registered will receive more information about this after
registration is confirmed.
9Website Links
More information to prepare can be found at:
The official website of World Youth Day 2013: http://www.rio2013.com/en
Salt & Light’s World Youth Day Central Page: www.wydcentral.org
The Archdiocese of Winnipeg Youth Page: www.archwinnipeg.ca/youth.php
The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton WYD page: www.caedm.ca/worldyouthday
The Vatican Website: www.vatican.va
IMPORTANT DATES
September 15, 2012: Deadline for registration and first $500 deposit
December 15, 2012: Deadine for second $500 deposit
April 1, 2013: Deadline for payment of balance ($2000)
July 13, 2013: WYD Send-off Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7:30 pm
July 16, 2013: Depart for Brazil
July 31, 2013: Arrive home
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I come to World Youth Day if I’m under 18 at the time of departure but will turn 18 before the
end of the trip?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The Bishops across Canada, acting on the advice of youth
directors and the Canadian World Youth Day representative, have decided that all participants
must be 18 at the time of departure. Fortunately, WYD happens every 2 or 3 years, so you can
come to the next one!
2. Can I come to WYD if I am under 18 but would be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other
relative?
Unfortunately, the answer is still no. It is for the same reasons give above, as well as because the
World Youth Days are developed for those who are 18-35 years of age. The catechesis assumes
that those attending are in this age range, and often the experience, especially because of the
demanding schedule and size of the crowd, is better suited to young adults.
3. Can I do a side trip/leave later and visit other areas?
The trip offered in this package is the only one available. There are no modifications allowed, as
it is too difficult to accommodate the number of requests for such modifications that come with
each World Youth Day pilgrimage.
4. Do I have to travel with Immaculate Conception or another group from a parish?
If you like, you can create your own trip and book your own travel, accommodations, meals,
etc.; however this option is STRONGLY discouraged due to safety concerns. Safety of pilgrims is
paramount, and there would be serious concerns for any individual pilgrims not with a group. If
you book your own trip, you must contact the Archdiocese of Winnipeg Office of Youth and
Young Adults to complete a liability waiver and to be put on the list of all Manitoba pilgrims
attending. Waivers can be obtained, along with possible packages from SpiritTours, by emailing
the Office of Youth and Young Adults at youth@archwinnipeg.ca, or by calling the Archdiocese
of Winnipeg Catholic Centre at 204-452-2227.
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