The Days in the Dioceses in the Diocese of Algarve will be lived with many initiatives. The aim is to integrate young people from all over the world into the parish communities of the various dioceses of the country and prepare pilgrims and the host community for the experience of World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023.  

Around 7,000 young people are expected in the Diocese of the Algarve between 26 and 31 July, the newspaper Folha de Domingo revealed. Faro, Loulé and Tavira will host the various initiatives throughout the week in moments of prayer, sharing, culture and leisure. In all, these three places will have 2733 pilgrims from 41 groups, coming from 19 countries: Argentina, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, France, Northern Mariana Islands, Italy, Kuwait, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mexico, Poland, Uruguay, Zimbabwe, Philippines and Taiwan, said the "Folha de Domingo".  

A common programme is planned for the three cities. The first day will be spent welcoming and accompanying the young people to each host city. The following day, 27 July, will be the day of "Discovery": the morning will be dedicated to welcoming the young people; the afternoon will be spent celebrating the Eucharist and the evening will be spent sharing culture, in which each young person will present something typical of their country.  

"Mission" is the motto for 28 July. The morning begins with a prayer, followed by a mission and volunteering activity. The afternoon programme repeats the previous day, but in the evening, the young people will have a moment of Taizé prayer, which will be lived in Faro with the Prior of Taizé Brother Alois. 

"Culture and Sport" will dominate the 29th of July. As in previous days, the morning will begin with a moment of prayer and then the cultural and sporting activities will take place. After celebrating the Eucharist, pilgrims will be able to experience what a "summer dance" is like in Portugal.  

On the last day before the young people leave for Lisbon, the pilgrims will attend a concert at the Algarve Stadium with Gen Verde.  

Like Faro, Loulé and Tavira, Portimão will also be a host city, in this case under the responsibility of the "Chemin Neuf" Community; the city will witness the annual youth festival called "Welcome to Paradise". The event will take place at the Portimão arena from 26 to 31 July. For five days, participants will be able to enjoy workshops, prayer times, sports experiences and dance nights. The "Welcome to Paradise" experience will include 4,500 young people from 40 countries and 20 Christian churches.  

The theme of this year's "Welcome Paradise" is related to "the kerygma, the proclamation of love, mercy and salvation in Jesus Christ", said Fr Luciano Couto. "But - and to use an expression of Pope Francis - the most pertinent image about the festival, which also has a strong ecumenical character, is that of the Church with open doors," he further explained.