Pilgrims from the Diocese of Scranton, led by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera,  gathered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center recently for their departure to Krakow, Poland for World Youth Day 2016 with Pope Francis.

The pilgrimage has consisted of catechesis, evening cultural events, Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis, Eucharistic Adoration, speakers, confession, and a Closing Mass with Pope Francis. In addition, pilgrims experienced some of the most moving religious sites in the world, such as the origins of Saint Faustina, Saint John Paul II, and Saint Maximilian Kolbe in Niepokalanow.

Mass will be also be celebrated in Czestochowa in front of the Black Madonna icon. The Diocesan delegation will return Aug. 3.