The year 2022 on the road to WYD Lisbon 2023
We have reached 2023, the year of World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023! However, preparations for this great gathering began some time ago and over the past year there have been several milestones along the way. Today we invite you to recall with us some of the moments of the preparation for WYD Lisbon 2023 in 2022.
The Patrons of WYD Lisbon 2023 revealed
On May 18, the 13 Patrons of WYD Lisbon 2023 were announced: St. John Paul II, St. John Bosco, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Anthony, St. Bartholomew of the Martyrs, St. John de Brito, Blessed Joan of Portugal, Blessed Joao Fernandes, Blessed Maria Clara of the Child Jesus, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Blessed Marcel Callo, Blessed Chiara Badano and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
The Patrons, who will accompany us at WYD Lisbon 2023, are women, men and young people who "have shown that the life of Christ fills and saves young people of all times," in the words of Bishop Manuel Clemente.
For more information on the 13 Patrons, click here.
Registrations are now open
With WYD Lisbon 2023 approaching, Pope Francis registered for WYD Lisbon 2023 on October 23 during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. This moment marked the beginning of registrations for this great gathering of young people with the Pope, which will take place in Lisbon in August 2023.
Two days after the opening of registration, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, visited the headquarters of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023 and also registered as a pilgrim. More information about this moment here.
There are several ways to participate in WYD Lisbon 2023, either as a pilgrim or as a volunteer. You can also submit your proposal for the Youth Festival or the Vocations Fair. Check all the information and sign up!
First street campaign launched
On August 1, 2022, one year before the biggest youth meeting with the Pope, the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation launched the first street campaign, focused on the figure of Pope Francis, under the slogan "See you in August 2023!"
In early November, just after registrations opened, the "World Youth Day is for you" campaign was also launched. Here, the protagonists were young people, who addressed the invitation to register for WYD Lisbon 2023 to young people from all over the world.
And at the beginning of December, the campaign "World Youth Day needs you" was launched, aimed at all those who want to volunteer, participating in various activities that are essential for welcoming young people and carrying out the initiatives that take place during the meeting.
Diocesan Youth Day was celebrated
The month of November was marked by World Youth Day. This day, marked on the Solemnity of Christ the King, also marked the celebration of World Youth Day at the diocesan level.
To celebrate it, several dioceses in Portugal and around the world organized their own initiatives, from diocesan meetings to moments of prayer. Practically all the dioceses of Portugal celebrated World Youth Day.
The Local Organizing Committee visited CPLP countries
With the aim of bringing WYD Lisbon 2023 closer to young people from other parts of the world, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) made several trips to countries of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPSC).
In September, a LOC delegation visited Brazil. In November and December, the WYD Lisbon 2023 organization traveled to Angola, where they participated in the National Youth Day, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe and Cape Verde, where they also celebrated World Youth Day.
The Local Organizing Committee also had the opportunity to invite young people from Guinea-Bissau and East Timor to participate in WYD Lisbon 2023.
The International Preparatory Meeting was held in Fatima
In October, between the 16th and 19th, the Council and the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life promoted a Meeting between the organization of WYD Lisbon 2023, representatives of the Bishops' Conferences and youth ministry from all over the world, ecclesial movements and religious congregations.
The meeting was held in Fatima in order to take stock of the pastoral, liturgical and logistical work and to prepare together for the next World Youth Day. It was attended by more than 280 people representing 180 countries.
You can learn more about this meeting here.
WYD Lisbon 2023 Choir rehearsals begin
The WYD Lisbon 2023 Choir had its first rehearsal on July 23rd and 24th. It was the first face-to-face meeting between its members, who represent 18 Portuguese dioceses.
A few months later, in October, a second rehearsal was held. Rehearsals are scheduled at certain intervals, to facilitate the attendance of all choir members. The next rehearsals are scheduled for January, March, April, June and July 2023 and will be held in conjunction with the WYD Lisbon 2023 Orchestra.
The first Boot Camps for Team Leaders have been held
As part of the preparation and training of volunteers, the first Boot Camps for Team Leaders were held in 2022 at the headquarters of the Local Organizing Committee.
The first Boot Camp was held in July, on July 5, 7 and 9, while the second was held on September 17 and 24. This initiative aims to be an opportunity to get to know each other personally, exchange ideas, share realities and, above all, make contact with possible problems that may arise during WYD Lisbon 2023.
Launching of the World Tree Planting Challenge
With a view to a more sustainable World Youth Day, the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation has launched some initiatives.
To reduce the environmental footprint generated by all the activities that will involve this great gathering, WYD Lisbon 2023, in partnership with the Global Tree Initiative (GTI), has launched a worldwide tree planting challenge.
Wherever you are, you can plant a native tree on behalf of WYD Lisbon 2023. Find out all about it here.
WYD symbols continue to go on pilgrimage
The Pilgrim Cross and the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani continued their pilgrimage through the dioceses of Portugal throughout 2022. So far, the WYD Symbols have traveled through 16 dioceses and are now in the diocese of Viana do Castelo. Also noteworthy is the presence of the Symbols at the European Youth Pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela in August (more information here).
The pilgrimage of the Symbols has provided various moments of joy, fellowship and prayer throughout Portugal. There are testimonies that tell how this initiative has really brought them closer to God and the Church and has given them the motivation to participate in WYD Lisbon 2023.
Follow here everything about the Pilgrimage of the Symbols.