“Instituted in 1985 at the conclusion of the International Year of Youth and in conjunction with Saint John Paul II’s World Youth Day gatherings, this observance has taken place on Palm Sunday. In 2020, Pope Francis transferred the date to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. “Young people must say to the world: It is good to follow Jesus! You bring us joy of faith and tell us that we must live the faith always with a young heart.” (Pope Francis)

The National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples is celebrated annually on December 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. This year’s message recalls a prayer spoken by Pope Francis at Lac Ste Anne during his penitential pilgrimage to Canada. The text of Pope Francis’ prayer, is now available on the CCCB’s website: In English: National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples 12 December 2023 - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca) In French: Journée nationale de prière en solidarité avec les peuples autochtones 12 décembre 2023 - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cecc.ca)