Denver Marks 20 Years Since WYD

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver will bestow the papal blessing with a plenary indulgence at a Mass on Aug. 15 commemorating the 20th anniversary of Denver’s World Youth Day.

The archdiocese is hosting an event to mark the two decades since Pope John Paul II visited the city in 1993, for the first World Youth Day in an English-speaking nation.  

The Mass, which will take place on the grounds of the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization, will also celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Testimonies will be given at the event, including that of consecrated laywoman Cara Rhyne, who participated in World Youth Day in 1993, as well as Father Giovanni Capucci, who began his journey to the priesthood at the event.

Footage from the 1993 event, featuring Blessed John Paul II and his message to the youths of the world, will be shown throughout the afternoon.

A diocesan bishop may bestow this blessing three times a year on a solemn feast, according to Church law. Archbishop Aquila chose the solemn feast of the Assumption of Mary, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of WYD, as an appropriate opportunity to impart the special blessing with the attached indulgence.