Lisbon 2 August 2023: The second day of the World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon began with a spectacular inaugural mass attended by thousands of enthusiastic young pilgrims from all over the world. Partial views of priests celebrating the mass were captured as they led the faithful in prayer and reflection can be seen in one of the photos captured by Fr Nebu Mathew SDB, the team leader from Dimapur Province.
Later in the evening of 2 August 2023, the WYD featured a special Salesian Youth Gathering, which saw a large turnout of young people coming together to celebrate their faith and engage in various religious activities.
A significant highlight of the day was the arrival of Pope Francis in Lisbon, where he was warmly received by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Their meeting symbolized the strong bond between the Catholic Church and the host nation, Portugal.
During a Press Conference held on the same day, several exciting data points were disclosed, underscoring the immense scale and global participation in the WYD Lisbon 2023. The event has attracted a staggering 354 thousand registered pilgrims, and it would not be possible without the dedication of over 25 thousand volunteers supporting the organization.
Among the countries represented, Spain topped the list with an impressive 77,224 pilgrims, followed by Italy with 59,469 participants, Portugal with 43,742, and France with 42,482. The event has truly become a melting pot of cultures and initiatives that invite participants to deepen their relationship with Christ.
The WYD also witnessed an incredible presence of 688 Bishops from around the world, including 30 Cardinals who graced the occasion. Italy, Spain, France, the United States of America, and Portugal were among the countries with notable representation in terms of Bishops attending the event.
In order to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, the organizers have made arrangements for 1,626 public accommodation spaces, capable of housing up to 294,151 pilgrims. Additionally, 8,831 host families have generously offered their homes to accommodate 28,618 pilgrims. To cater to their nutritional needs, 1,800 restaurants have joined the cause, with approximately 2.7 million meals contracted.
The Youth Festival, a vibrant component of the WYD Lisbon 2023, is witnessing over 600 events taking place in 90 different locations. The events span various domains, including Music, Cinema, Exhibitions, Theatre, Dance, Conferences, and Religious Events, showcasing the creativity and generosity of young people in expressing their faith.
One of the notable highlights of the Youth Festival is the release of the WYD Lisbon 2023 theme song, titled “Há Pressa no Ar,” inspired by the biblical quote [«Mary rose up and went with haste (Lc1,39)»]. This theme encapsulates the urgency and devotion displayed by Mary as she hurried to meet her cousin Elizabeth, symbolizing the spirit of the WYD Lisbon 2023.
The festival continues to embrace diversity and universality, with over 100 musical groups from all five continents performing on nine stages. The programme features a rich variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, rap, classical music, and folk. Additionally, prayer concerts are providing an avenue for attendees to connect with their faith through the power of music.
Conferences, exhibitions, theaters, dance, and religious events are also in full swing, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience to the pilgrims. The inclusion of sports, including a soccer and beach volleyball tournament, further promotes unity and friendship among the participants.
The Youth Festival extends beyond the streets of Lisbon, with local groups in host cities and towns organizing events under the “All Around” programme. This initiative allows pilgrims to interact with the local population and experience the unique culture and religious practices of Portugal.
Museums have also collaborated with the WYD Lisbon 2023 by offering free admission or special conditions to registered pilgrims and volunteers, providing them with a chance to explore Portuguese culture and heritage.
As the WYD Lisbon 2023 progresses, it continues to inspire young people worldwide to deepen their faith, embrace cultural diversity, and forge lifelong connections with their peers and the Catholic Church.
(IND Webmaster)
