Hundreds of teens came together at a Catholic high school in Chicago Heights to pray, to learn about their faith and to be in solidarity with young people from around the world who came together at the same time with Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. "WYD Chicago: A Midwest Celebration" included catechetical sessions, prayer opportunities and liturgy for teens in ninth through 12th grade at Marian Catholic High School July 27. Participants included members of youth groups from many Chicago-area parishes, as well as a contingent from the Archdiocese of Detroit, and groups from other Midwest dioceses.
Sky Mondragon (pink), Roman Padilla (holding World Youth Day cross) and Juan Luna (black jacket), from St. Victor Parish, lead a pilgrimage in the morning from St. Kieran Parish to Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights. More than 700 Catholic teens and young adults from across the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Midwest gathered for a "WYD Chicago: A Midwest Celebration" at at the school on July 27. During the 12 hour event youth participated in a day of music, speakers, catechetical sessions and concluded with a Mass concelebrated by several bishops and Cardinal George. The event was sponsored by the archdiocese's Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry.
Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World