Archbishop John Nienstedt has attended five international World Youth Day gatherings, including last year’s in Madrid, and had expressed a desire to organize a local version, said Bill Dill, archdiocesan youth ministry events coordinator.
The result: Archdiocesan Youth Day 2012, set for Sept. 15 at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. The event, organized for high school students with the theme “Reason for Hope,” will feature a day with Archbishop Nienstedt, Mass, music, food, testimonials, adoration, Benediction and speakers, including youth ministers and Father Michael Schmitz, director of youth/ young adult ministry in the Diocese of Duluth.
The intent is to establish the day as a biennial event, Dill said.
Archdiocesan Youth Day 2012 is free.