Team Leaders join in a Pilgrimage to Fátima
Last weekend, on February 18th and 19th, the volunteer Team Leaders made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fátima. The starting point was the river beach of Olhos d'Água that "came alive on Saturday morning when it welcomed the group of young people", said Camila Gonçalves, young Team Leader.
Along the way there was space for prayer, for sharing and also for moments of entertainment and leisure. In addition, the team leaders were able to hear two testimonies: that of Madalena Fontoura, a psychologist by training, and that of Bartosz, a long-term volunteer for World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023.
Madalena Fontoura spoke about the true meaning of this pilgrimage and the service that will be entrusted to the Team Leaders of volunteers during the week of WYD Lisbon 2023. Camila Gonçalves also said that, during this testimony, "we were asked to look at the footprints that guide us, where we placed our feet and to think about where we can find Jesus".
Bartosz gave his personal testimony about his first participation in a World Youth Day and the mission that he feels he has since then. He also spoke to the group of Team Leaders about the importance of trusting in God and how this trust "can never end".
When they arrived at the Parish Church of Covão do Coelho, the Eucharist was celebrated and there was also time for a last moment of reflection before went to bed. The night was then spent in the Covão do Coelho Parish Hall, before continuing on their way to Fátima on Sunday morning.
When they arrived at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, "we formed a chain and walked in silence through part of the enclosure, thanking everyone symbolically for having managed to arrive together", said Camila Gonçalves.
For Sandra Bileu, from the parish of Our Lady of the Incarnation, in Ameixoeira, and Margarida Castro Lopes, from the parish of Carnide, this pilgrimage was important for their training, as "it is important for a team leader to have contact with other realities and other team leaders", to "share experiences and also foster the spirit of mutual help".
In addition, they also highlighted the importance of walking as a group, since "it is we, all together, who will build this event". Despite the "great challenge" that implies to be Team Leader during WYD Lisbon 2023, "we are super willing to receive, welcome, participate, have fun and be there with each other, with God and with the Pope at World Youth Day," they stressed.
WYD Lisbon 2023 needs you! Applications to become a volunteer are still open and you can submit your candidacy here.
