Pilgrimage to Portugal
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2023
Lisbon, Portugal | August 1 – 6, 2023
Initiated by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day has evolved into a global event organized by clergy and laity of the Catholic Church. Young people of all faiths are invited to be a part of this universal gathering that takes place every three years. At the heart of the week-long celebration is the opportunity to encounter Christ. The Holy Father invites the youth of the world to receive and carry home the message of being Christ’s light to the world.
The 2023 World Youth Day will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, with the theme chosen by Pope Francis, “Mary arose and went with haste.” (Lk 1:39). Our Holy Father is challenging all of us to be active and courageous missionaries! You might be wondering, “Where does Jesus want to send me?” He sends us everywhere, to live our Catholic faith boldly, unapologetically, and joyfully!
Our World Youth Day pilgrimages, encompassing the celebrations August 1–6, 2023, will include a visit to the Marian Shrine of Fatima. On May 13, 1917, three young peasant children (Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco), all now Saints, received an apparition of the Blessed Mother. Fatima is visited by pilgrims from around the world who search for the messages of peace left by Mary for the world.
World Youth Day festivities celebrate both cultural diversity and unity. The traditional schedule of events includes many highlights! The Opening Ceremony and Mass is celebrated by the local bishop of the host diocese. The arrival of the Holy Father builds the excitement while the Via Crucis is one of the most beautiful and emotional traditions. The physical challenges of the Pilgrim Walk, Vigil, and Closing Papal Mass prepare each pilgrim for the special graces God is waiting for you to receive.
The festival is a unique way to deepen your faith and grow closer to Christ through prayer and the sacraments, together with millions of other young people. World Youth Day is a celebration of the future of the church, encouraging younger generations of Catholics to continue practicing and strengthening their faith.
Peter’s Way Tours has arranged World Youth Day participation for dozens of dioceses and youth groups across the United States, expertly planning pilgrimages to coincide with the WYD programming. Franciscan University has chosen to partner with Peter’s Way Tours for their 2023 World Youth Day travel arrangements. Small groups are welcome to join Franciscan University as part of their pilgrimage, and larger groups are invited to join us in planning a World Youth Day pilgrimage of their own to help their youth ministry bear witness to the beauty of our church and mysteries of the faith!