Community and globalism converged in tiny Palm Beach at a reception to kick off fundraising for World Youth Day, a pilgrimage of faith for young Catholics around the world.
The reception, in the presence of new diocesan leader Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, took place April 22 at Café L’Europe and was hosted by the restaurant’s owners, Rocco, Jennifer, Mark and Emanuela Marcello.
The Marcello family are longtime supporters of Catholic education and community initiatives in Palm Beach.
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In addition to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the evening an appearance by Armando Garcia, who discussed his experience as a participant in two international World Youth Day gatherings, and remarks from the new bishop.
“World Youth Day is far more than a single event. It is a pilgrimage of faith; an extended journey that invites young people to deepen their relationship with Christ, encounter the universal church and discover their place within it,” Rodríguez said. “While the celebrations will be a moment of extraordinary grace, the richness of World Youth Day lies in the path that leads us there.”
Established by St. John Paul II, World Youth Day has become one of the largest gatherings of young people in the world, uniting millions in faith and fellowship. The 2027 celebration, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, in August 2027, is expected to draw participants from across the globe for a week of prayer, cultural exchange, and spiritual renewal led by the pope.
It will be Pope Leo XIV’s first World Youth Day celebration.
Bishop Rodríguez underscored the importance of the evening’s beneficiary, a scholarship fund to help meet travel, lodging, and program expenses for youth and young adults who would otherwise be unable to attend.
“Through this scholarship fund, we hope to ensure that every youth and young adult, regardless of financial means, has the opportunity to take part in this extraordinary global gathering.”
More than 100 people attended.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: The Insider: Café L’Europe reception helps fund for Catholic youth
Reporting by Shannon Donnelly, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
