Lean On The Lord

World Youth Day is a one day conference held every year as a time for celebration and prayer. This year's Archdiocesan Youth Conference was held on October 23, 2016. Teens from all around the Archdiocese of New Orleans gathered at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to "Lean on the Lord" and celebrate World Youth Day. An estimated 2,200 people attended this year's World Youth Day celebration. The day was set up and run by the members of Teen C.R.O.S.S.: the Youth Council of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, including two members of the Cabrini community, Emily Nguyen and Kassandra Torres.

The day started with registration at 8:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies shortly after at 9:30 a.m. Members of Teen C.R.O.S.S. and the house band started off the morning with music and skits to entertain everyone gathered in the auditorium. The keynote speaker of the day was Steve Angrisano, writer of the hit song "Go Make a Difference." At 11:45 a.m., everyone moved to the La Nouvelle Ballroom to enjoy lunch and check out exhibitions from different camps and programs for young teens to learn more about their faith.

After an hour lunch, the workshops started. Ten different workshops were held during two time blocks for anyone to check out. The subjects of workshops varied from Pro-Life to Prayer and Discernment. At 3:00 p.m., everyone gathered back into the New Orleans Theater for a concert, followed by Mass with Archbishop Aymond. After a short speech of gratitude from the director of the CYO/Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office, Joey Pistorius, the day ended. "World Youth Day was incredible! I loved being able to spend time with my Cabrini sisters and everyone else who attended," junior Elizabeth Favret shared after the day had concluded.

World Youth Day is an amazing opportunity for young people to spend time with the entire Archdiocese and the Lord. If you weren't able to attend this year, make sure to check it out in 2017.