I have a dilemma... you see, everyone in youth ministry (and everyone who can use Google) knows when the next World Youth Day is going to be held ages and ages before it is announced. But we sort of have to play this game of pretending that we don't until the Holy Father announces it during the final Mass.

Hence, in a few months time, the Pope will announce that the next WYD is going to be held in Rio and a load of Brazilian young people will suddenly start to cheer and say 'what, us? wow... we had absolutely no idea at all!'

I'm not knocking this. Though I'm gently teasing the whole process, I think it's fair enough. And I'm certainly not knocking the PCL or the Holy Father. It's a great event, and it's always a lovely moment when the next one is announced.

But, here's the thing... (to use my favourite phrase)

World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro is now just over two years away. We had almost three years to prepare for Madrid, and it was much, much closer (read: less fundraising required). So, I really think that it's not such a bad thing to start thinking about it now.

I've had a good idea that it was going to be Rio since last year (Rio narrowly beat Johannesburg by the way) but I think that the time is right now to start talking about it on the site.

Okay, okay... yes, I know this is a bit naughty, but I actually think that it's the best thing to do for our Young People to get on the case now. And besides, how long were we talking about the Papal visit before that was official?


And so... I declare this board officially... OPEN

Apparently the 1986 World Cup was meant to be in Brazil, but was hastily moved to Mexico when somebody realised that Brazil just wouldn't be ready in time.

That said though, the good old "nothing's going to be ready on time" story is trotted out ahead of pretty much every major event that's not in a G8 country, as you hint above. So I'm not that worried.

I mean, I doubt things will be as crisp and five-star for WYD2013 as they have been in the last few events (it's been in EU/ G8 nations constantly since 1995) but I doubt it'll be dire.

Well, I hope not anyway!!

Looking forward to Rio.  We are going to try to use the Madrid publicity and roll straight into Rio.  Lots of excited happy young people talking about it so that's good. One school, which sent 13 to Madrid, have estimated they will have 40 for Rio.  So that's a good start.  However, not much time for fundraising.  HOping these kids are good at saving.

The Australian Gathering was my favourite WYD event.  It was an excellent afternoon. We also had two of our pilgrims in the group carrying the cross and icon, so it was really special for us.
How many people from the UK were there?  We had about 4000 from Australia. It certainly is a long long way

We only had 2,000. A bit poor really, given that it's on our doorstep. We should have had a lot more!!

Only 2000 pilgrims from the UK went to WYD?

Was that counting the religious groups?

Is it that they can't afford it?

I think that could be a factor.

To be honest, I'm more concerned at the moment that in some cases we are in danger of becoming far too big event driven in our youth work.

In many dioceses I suspect the answer to "What have you done for young people this year?" could well be "well last year we had the Papal visit and this year it was WYD and of course we are going to Lourdes/Taize next year..."

To be honest, I'm more concerned at the moment that in some cases we are in danger of becoming far too big event driven in our youth work.

In many dioceses I suspect the answer to "What have you done for young people this year?" could well be "well last year we had the Papal visit and this year it was WYD and of course we are going to Lourdes/Taize next year..."

I completely agree.

Big events without grassroots development (i.e. a stable presence) are just a one hit wonder really! And, that, really was my objection to the WYD-UK idea.

We all agree.

Well, that's no fun