Pilgrims' spiritual journey for the WYD’s week
Starting today, everyone can embark on a spiritual journey for the World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023, supported by a carefully crafted spirituality itinerary. From July 30 to August 6, young people will be guided by the Gospel of Visitation, serving as the foundation for all events, prayers, and proposals during this significant gathering of young people worldwide with the Pope. Each day will feature a motto (word) and a daily challenge (the latter begins on August 1st), in alignment with the theological principles and messages of Pope Francis.
Get ready
30 July
Today is the day of arrival, for settling down, and personal preparation for the week ahead. Each pilgrim should ponder questions like "Where do I come from?", "Who do I come with?", and "Where do I go?" as they get ready for the journey. It is a moment to enter the WYD’s environment, wherever one may be, opening the heart and acknowledging the significance of being part of this grand collective experience.
Set
31 July
Now is the moment for Pilgrims to open their hearts' doors and attentively listen to what God asks of them during this WYD. The question, "What might God want to say to me this week?" serves as an encouragement for all young participants. "Today, I willingly choose to open my heart's doors with freedom and readiness, breaking down barriers that hinder me from truly encountering God and my fellow neighbors.
Go
1 August
"Get up and start again" is the expectation for this day. The eagerly awaited 1st of August, which marks the beginning of WYD Lisbon 2023, has "Go" as the word of the day. "Who am I and how do I come to this WYD? What do I bring and what am I looking for?" is the challenge for each of the young people embracing this great adventure. "In these days, I begin to design my path here - I choose conferences, concerts, theaters, exhibitions, volunteering, whatever moves me the most."
Daily challenge: meet and discover curiosities of two people from different nationalities.
Hurry
2 August
This is the time for young people to step out of their comfort zones and take action. Reflecting on questions like "Am I looking for Jesus in a hurry?" and "Where can I find Him?" can deepen the pilgrimage experience. "Today, I actively engage in the opportunities of the day. I recognize the presence of the living Christ, seeking what urges me forward and identifying anything that hinders my progress."
Daily challenge: Hurry to find Jesus and visit Him in a church.
Rejoice
3 August
Discovering the joy of being a Christian is the purpose of this day. "Today, I contemplate how faith is concretized in my life - its implications and its transformative effect on my attitude towards others? I embrace joy in my daily living?"
Daily challenge: Share with someone what made them happiest during the day.
Believe
4 August
This day beckons the youth to embrace Faith and step inside, leaving hesitation at the door. "I open the doors to Christ?," "I let him in." "Am I afraid? Of what?" These are the questions that guide the pilgrims in their reflections. Today, I aim to learn the art of opening my heart to Jesus, unrestricted. What holds me back from belief? What changes do I fear might unfold in my life?
Daily challenge: Offer a prayer for someone you know who hasn't yet found belief in God.
Give thanks
5 August
Pilgrims are invited to ponder, to introspect, and to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by God. "Today, I aspire to master the art of prayer, to be grateful, and to find solace in the presence of Jesus. I will be by His side, acknowledging and appreciating all that I have encountered."Daily challenge: Embrace the person who left the deepest impression on you during the week and include them in your prayers.
Rise up
6 August
Pilgrims are encouraged to contemplate what lingers in their hearts after the encounter and how it will shape their lives. "Today, I conclude as I commenced - with a renewed spirit and endless rejuvenation. I acknowledge that I am a missionary, destined to spread the good news to all."
Daily challenge: Share the WYD experience with two individuals who have not yet experienced it.