Day 1 Monday, January 21
Welcome to Panama City! You will be greeted by your WYD Guide and transferred to your accommodations. Once you’ve settled into your lodging, your WYD Guide will deliver your WYD Registration kits, and help your leaders to prepare the group for the week ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may see a few nearby sights en route to your group dinner.
Day 2 Tuesday, January 21
AM Your WYD Guide will lead you on a tour of Panama City, walking through the churches of Casco Viejo, along the shoreline of Cinta Costera, and out to Amador for a panoramic view of the city. As you go, your WYD Guide will help orient pilgrims to navigating the city, and to moving through crowds as a group.
PM Pilgrims will gather in Cinta Costera for the WYD Opening Mass, celebrated by the local Archbishop.
Day 3 Wednesday, January 23
AM Pilgrims will meet at their designated site for English-language Catechesis. The morning typically begins with worship music. A prominent Cardinal/Bishop will give a catechetical talk, after which Mass will be celebrated. Confession is usually available throughout the morning.
PM Choose from among the dozens of Youth Festival activities taking place throughout the city. Speakers, musicians, and other performers will be scheduled until late into the evening.
Day 4 Thursday, January 24
AM Pilgrims will meet at their designated site for a second day of English-language Catechesis led by a different Cardinal/Bishop.
PM The Pope arrives in Panama City! Pilgrims will choose between lining the streets and waiting at Cinta Costera to welcome our Holy Father. After his arrival, the Pope will give his remarks, and pilgrims chosen from around the world will make presentations on behalf of their countries.
Day 5 Friday, January 25
AM Pilgrims meet at their designated site for a final day of English-language Catechesis led by a third Cardinal/BIshop.
PM Choose from among the dozens of Youth Festival events to fill your afternoon. In the early evening, pilgrims will move to Cinta Costera to pray the Stations of the Cross led by our Holy Father.
Day 6 Saturday, January 26
AM Pilgrims from the United States typically gather this morning for a national Pilgrim Mass. All pilgrims will then set off on the Pilgrim Walk (approx. 12km) to Panama Pacifico, the site of the Prayer Vigil.
PM Upon arrival, pilgrims will set up camp and prepare for the all-night prayer vigil. The Pope will give his official WYD address, and will lead pilgrims in prayer and adoration. Musical and other performances will open and close the night.
Day 7 Sunday, January 27
AM Musical performances will start first-thing in the morning to awaken sleeping pilgrims. The Holy Father will celebrate the closing WYD Mass, and deliver a special homily especially for young pilgrims. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Pope will announce the year and location of the next international World Youth Day celebration.
PM Pilgrims will pack their belongings and begin the Pilgrim Walk back to their lodging in central Panama City. The afternoon and evening are free for you and your pilgrims to rest, eat, and enjoy relaxing time in the city.