PORTLAND — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has announced that a delegation of Maine youth will travel on a pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland.

The journey is scheduled for July 22 through Aug. 1, 2016, and will include all of the World Youth Day events in Krakow as well as visits to the homes of St. Maximilian Kolbe and Pope John Paul II, Czestochowa, Auschwitz and the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy.

Pope Francis, who will celebrate Mass in Krakow on July 31, 2016, as part of the celebration, has announced that the motto for World Youth Day 2016 is “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

World Youth Day was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1984. It is celebrated annually at the diocesan level and at a week-long event internationally every two to three years. In July 2013, World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro attracted more than 3 million people. The event welcomes young people from around the world to gather in a promotion of strengthened faith, hope and renewed unity, encouraging that diversity in fraternity is possible.

Dube Travel is working with the Diocese of Portland to organize the historic trip. The estimated price is $3600 per attendee, all-inclusive, but only a $250 deposit is required now. There are 60 spots available in the delegation.

To register or for more information, contact Joe Mailhot in the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation at 207-321-7813 or at joe.mailhot@portlanddiocese.org.

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