World Youth for Life Day Celebrations

Press Release: Right to Life Association of Toronto and area

In response to this year's World Youth Day, the first of the New Millennium, young people within the Canadian pro-life movement have energetically begun the planning of World Youth for Life Day . This two-day event will feature renowned speakers such as Iain Benson, one of Canada's top constitutional lawyers and director of the Center for Cultural Renewal, and Mark De Young, a director of World Youth Alliance, a highly effective organization of youth that lobby at the United Nations.

Camille De Blasi, the Executive Director of the Center for Life Principles is also coming from Washington. She is one of the movement's brightest stars. A young attractive woman, she has changed people's lives with her incredible message of understanding the true meaning of personhood and happiness.

Dr. Dolores Bernadette Grier is the vice-chancellor to the Archdiocese of New York. She is the first woman, the first African American, and the first layperson to have achieved so high a position within the Catholic Church. A staunch defender of the faith, she is a joy to witness as she speaks about her own conversion to Catholicism and her work of defending the unborn.

Bud Macfarlane Jr., founder of the Mary Foundation and author of the immensely popular book "Pierced by a Sword" will also be coming to speak to the youth, as will the renowned pro-life activist Rabbi Yehuda Levin. Apart from this incredible line-up of speakers, a group of talented musicians and dancers will also be present to add to the celebrations.

The two-day event is comprised of a Leaders' Convention planned for July 21 st . This will be an opportunity for youth who feel inspired to work in the pro-life movement to meet each other and the present leaders, for a day of discussion and planning. World Youth for Life Day is scheduled for Monday, July 22 nd , on one of Toronto's beautiful islands, Olympic Island. The event promises to be a huge kick-off to World Youth Day with an expected attendance of between 7,000 and 15,000 people.

The primary intention of WYFLD organizers is to have a major pro-life presence at World Youth Day and then to pass the torch on to pro-life groups at the next World Youth Day in Germany. Pro-life work is at the very heart of the Church. The Holy Father calls it the most important work on Earth. ?

For more information about World Youth for Life, go to www.worldyouthforlife.com or call 416-483-7869.

Note, you do not have to be registered for World Youth Day to attend these events.

For questions about the World Youth for Life Day contact:

Natalie Hudson
Executive Director, Toronto Right to Life
Phone: 416-483-7869
E-mail: nhudson@on.aibn.com