When we asked our pilgrims how their experience of the Lisbon World Youth Day was, they answered;

“Encouraging, inspirational, overwhelming at times, but that it set a better foundation in faith for ourselves. “
– Paige & Bekah

From 31st July to 9th August pilgrims from across the Anglo-Irish Province journeyed together to Lisbon for WYD 2023 with Pope Francis, where they joined 1.5 million other pilgrims from across the world.  During these ten days, they took part in encounters, Mass and festivals. Pope Francis took the opportunity to address and invite the Youth to ‘Go in Haste’ since we are all called to spread Gods love.

He said;

“Do not be afraid. It is no longer I, it is Jesus himself who is looking at you, He knows the heart of each one of you.”

Pope Francis also took the time to remind us that:

“In the Church there is room for everyone. And when there is not, please make sure that there is, even for those who make mistakes, for those who fall, for those who are going through difficulties. Everyone. Everyone. Everyone.”

So what was Lisbon 2023 like for our pilgrims?

Paige told us in her words:

“Picture this, it’s Saturday and the evening is drawing in, bringing with it a well welcomed breeze. The day had reached an outrageous 37 degrees (but not as outrageous as the next day which topped 40 degrees) in which we walked several hours in the midday sun.
Around us, nearly 1.5 million people lie, sit or stand in anticipation for The Pope’s final messages to us. People chant “Esta es la juventud del Papa!” – Spanish for “This is the Pope’s Youth!”, and the WYD theme song is played almost a little bit too much.”

Kirk tells us of the Oblate Youth gathering which took place during the events.

“The Oblate gathering had a selection of musical and dance inter-active sharings with Oblate young people from around the globe. The Canadians, Italian and Polish turned out in huge numbers!

I understood that an Oblate Peruvian Bishop was instrumental in getting the whole event together which was a very good idea. Fr. Chicho Rois OMI Superior General spoke to us in three languages – English, Spanish and French. He shared excellent content and gave us some good, tough questions to ponder on and share with our elbow buddies.

At the end, there was an opportunity for open questions. One of our group Chike asked him: ‘Why did you come to WYD?’

Fr. Chicho replied:
‘You are all Superiors General including the questioner.’ He added: ‘You all need to be proactive in order to promote faith development and Oblateness in your approach.’

At the end of our time together, it was lovely to see the exchange of little wristbands and other memorabilia from within our worldwide Oblate family.”

Feel inspired?

Why not join us at the next WYD event?