Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv is leading 171 pilgrims from the Diocese of Parramatta to World Youth Day 2019 (WYD).
WYD 2019 will be a pilgrimage to Mexico, Panama and the United States for a two-week festival of faith with millions of youth from around the world joining Pope Francis for an encounter with Jesus and deeper faith formation.
The Diocese of Parramatta Communications Team will be capturing stories during WYD 2019. You can follow the pilgrimage below through our daily updates and on parrawyd.org.
For Day 1, click here
For Day 1 (In Transit), click here
For Day 2, click here
For Day 3, click here
For Day 3 (Evening), click here
For Day 4, click here
For Day 5, click here
For Day 6, click here
For Day 7, click here
For Day 8, click here
For Day 9, click here
For Day 10, click here
For Day 11, click here
For Day 12, click here
For Day 13, click here
For Day 14, click here
For Day 15, click here
Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims set to return to Sydney
Pilgrims from the Diocese of Parramatta World Youth Day 2019 pilgrimage are departing Houston airport today, bound for Sydney as their World Youth Day pilgrimage comes to an end.
Pilgrims having been leaving over three different flights throughout the day.
For one of the flight groups, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv celebrated Mass in the airport chapel. Preaching on the day’s Gospel, the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20), Bishop Vincent encouraged pilgrims to live the experience like the seeds sowed in the good soil.

Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims from Bus M pose with chaplain Fr Benedict Mackenzie FSF during the post-World Youth Day retreat in Houston, Texas. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims from Bus A pose with chaplain Fr Fernando Montano during the post-World Youth Day retreat in Houston, Texas. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims from Bus B pose with chaplain Fr Andrew Fornal OP during the post-World Youth Day retreat in Houston, Texas. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims from Bus C pose with chaplain Fr John Paul Escarlan during the post-World Youth Day retreat in Houston, Texas. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims leave their post-WYD retreat in Houston, Texas, bound for Sydney. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
He said that his hope for the pilgrims is that the pilgrimage will have a lasting change on their lives.
Pilgrims are expected to arrive back in Sydney on Friday 1 February.

Students and teachers from St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill with Greg Whitby, Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Parramatta, during their post-World Youth Day retreat in Houston, Texas. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Thank you for reading and sharing our pilgrimage journey over the last two weeks.
God bless.
View the photos from today here or click on the images below.