The trip begins on July 23 with travel from Texas to Poland (with a stopover in Germany). On the 24th, the group will tour the city of Warsaw before heading to Kraków. On Monday the 25th, our pilgrims will make an excursion to the Jasna Gora Monastery in Częstochowa, home of the image of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa to which miraculous powers are attributed; Bishop Strickland will celebrate Holy Mass for the group at the Monastery.

On the 26th, our young people will visit the Divine Mercy Convent outside Kraków and learn the amazing story of St. Faustina Kowalska and her visions of Christ. They will also tour Kraków and the famous Wawel Cathedral. On Wednesday the 27th, our pilgrims will travel to the birthplace of St. John Paul II in Wadowice. They will then visit the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Official World Youth Day activities begin for our pilgrims on Thursday, July 28 as the group welcomes Pope Francis and attends the opening prayer service. Friday begins with morning catechetical sessions, afternoon music and prayer and Stations of the Cross in the evening. On Saturday, the pilgrims will participate in a Walking Pilgrimage to the vigil site, then attend an evening vigil with Pope Francis. WYD culminates on Sunday with Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.