The source of our unity is Jesus Christ

Today our World Youth Day compass takes us to the South. From Raleigh, North Carolina, Bishop Michael Burbidge says events of this magnitude joyfully remind us that we belong to something bigger than our parish or diocese.

This will be the first time I attend World Youth Day. I am going to WYD so that I may participate in a true pilgrimage. I will be traveling with youth and young adults from my diocese and welcome the opportunity to be with them in prayer, especially as we gather with youth from around the world in the presence of the Successor to St. Peter. I am confident this will be a spiritually enriching experience through which the Lord will shower us with abundant blessings.

It is my hope that, by participating in WYD the youth from my diocese will rejoice in knowing that they belong to something bigger than their parish/diocese and that they belong to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. May they celebrate anew the faith that unites us.

The youth from the United States bring with them to WYD the gifts of their deep faith, desire to share that faith with others as well as their joy, zeal, and enthusiasm.

WYD also provides a wonderful opportunity for bishops to journey together with their youth and young adults and to strengthen the bond we share. In a special way, we will be reminded that the source of our unity is Jesus Christ in whose Name we go forth.

The pilgrims from the Diocese of Raleigh and I look forward to our journey to Madrid for World Youth Day 2011.

Sincerely in Christ,

+Bishop Burbidge
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, USA