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Will you be aged 18-35 on 31 July 2023? Join the Holy Father and millions of young people from all over the world at World Youth Day (WYD) this summer 31 July to 7 August 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. World Youth Day is an event like no other, it is an opportunity to experience the Universal Church, build amazing friendships with people from home and celebrate our faith. With all kinds of festival activities to take part in, including Holy Mass with Pope Francis, this is an event which will bring you fulfilment and joy.
World Youth Day is an international event for young Catholics from all over the World. It began in 1986 at the request of St Pope John Paul II, after he was inspired by the Youth Jubilee in 1984. This will be the 37th World Youth Day, and is taking place in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Catholic Church defines Youth as anyone aged 18-35, and young people attend from all of the globe. You will be rubbing shoulders with people from all seven continents, celebrating our vibrant, universal faith.
It is a joy-filled celebration of our Catholic faith. With a huge range of festival activities to help you explore different ways to express yourself as a Catholic, excellent opportunities for inspiring talks from international speakers, and of course Mass with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. All of this is experienced with like minded people, many of whom will become friends for life.
We are travelling as a group from the St Philip Howard Centre in Crawley, getting a coach to Stanstead airport where we will fly direct to Lisbon.
The Diocesan group is booked into the Empire Hotel in the centre of the city, with a combination of twin and triple rooms. There will be one overnight stay in a field but more about under ‘What do I bring?’
Main meals will be provided throughout the week, with breakfast at the Hotel and the World Youth Day event organisers arranging the rest of the meals. This will probably mean we are provided with tokens that we can use at participating cafes and restaurants.
It’s going to be very hot, so water bottles and sun cream are a must! We do spend one amazing night sleeping under the stars so you will also need a sleeping bag and roll mat. This is the absolute highlight of the week, all pilgrims (in 2016 there were 3 million) will gather together for a beautiful vigil celebration, and there we will stay until the next morning when the Pope arrives to say Mass with us. It’s a wonderful adventure.
The Pilgrimage Package costs £1,250 and includes flights, accommodation, meals, and insurance. The only additional money you will need is for ice creams and souvenirs!
