Days in the Dioceses
The “Days in the Dioceses”, namely the gathering of young people from all over the world that precedes WYD Lisbon 2023, will be held from 26 to 31 July 2023 in 17 dioceses across mainland Portugal and the islands: Algarve; Angra; Aveiro; Beja; Braga; Braganca-Miranda; Coimbra; Evora; Funchal; Guarda; Lamego; Leiria-Fatima; Portalegre-Castelo Branco; Porto; Viana do Castelo; Vila Real; Viseu.
The Lisbon, Santarem and Setubal Dioceses have a different role; they are host Dioceses and will receive the young people attending WYD during that week.
What are the “Days in the Dioceses”?
“Days in the Dioceses” is a gathering that precedes the week of WYD Lisbon 2023 and consists of integrating young people from around the world into the parish communities of the country’s various dioceses. The “Days in the Dioceses” are a kind of preparation journey for the pilgrims and host community to experience the days around WYD.
On these days, the participants can become better acquainted with the host region, as well as the local Church and its features. As is also the case in WYD week, they will stay in family homes or parish or public facilities, in order to have a true experience of the Church, evangelization and mission.
For those who visit us
For the visiting pilgrims, the “Days in the Dioceses” are an invitation to experience the richness of the Church in the host country, as well as to promote the encounter and exchange of an array of cultural and religious wealth.
For those who host
For the hosts, it is an opportunity to say YES to the mission of hosting a World Youth Day and to showcase the cultural, gastronomic and religious riches to the young people arriving from all over the world.
Program
For the week of the “Days in the Dioceses”, a programme anchored on five pillars is being prepared: reception, discovery, mission, culture and sending forth.
For information on the program of each Diocese, please consult the respective official channels.
Prayer
The Days in Dioceses has a prayer inspired by its fundamental principles: Welcoming, Discovery, Mission, Culture and Sending
learn moreThe Dioceses
The Diocese of Algarve was suffragan to Mérida, S. Tiago de Compostela, Braga, Seville, Lisbon and has been suffragan to Évora since September 29, 1540. Its territorial reach matches that of the old Kingdom of the Algarve and, currently the district of Faro. It covers a total area of 5,071 km2 and has a population of 400,000, which increases considerably during the tourist high season.
The Diocese is a strip of land in the Portuguese far south, covering a total area of 5071,60 km2, corresponding to 5.7% of the total area of the country. It stretches 100 miles long and varies from 18 to 25 miles wide. It is bordered to the west and the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by the Guadiana River, which also borders Spain, and to the north by the Diocese of Beja.
It is comprised of three regions – Serra, Barrocal and Litoral – that vary in population, landscape and resources, even in culture and outlook.
The climate is temperate and benefits from the Mediterranean influence, allowing for the growth of species that are familiar with that climate. There is also a unique influx of visitors who are attracted by the vast number of beaches along the coastline.
Our Diocese is divided into four vicariates – Tavira, Faro, Loulé and Portimão.
The bishop is D. Manuel Neto Quintas.
E-mail: algarve@lisboa2023.org
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The Diocese of Angra, covering 2,243 km2 across the nine islands that comprise the Azores, was established by Pope Paul III on November 5, 1534. Its seat is in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island.
On November 9, 1862, 328 years after the Diocese had been established, the Episcopal Seminary of Angra was created. On October 12, 1966, the Holy Christ Minor Seminary was founded in Ponta Delgada, although it is no longer in operation.
On May 11, 1991, Pope John Paul II visited the Azores and religious festivities were held in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira).
Since its establishment, the Diocese of Angra has had 38 bishops, and only two of those were born in the Azores.
The Diocese has been divided into 16 deaneries, eight of which are in São Miguel, totalling 165 parishes and 25 curacies. There are also five diocesan sanctuaries – Holy Christ of Miracles (Ponta Delgada), Our Lady of the Conception (Angra do Heroísmo), Holy Christ of Caldeira (São Jorge), Lord Jesus of Pico (Pico) and Our Lady of Miracles of Serreta (Angra do Heroísmo).
The Diocese’s duties are shared by 142 priests, six permanent deacons and 15 religious communities, two of these being of contemplative nature.
Email: angra@lisboa2023.org
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Aveiro is a privileged location close to the sea. It has a river and mountains, allowing for an interesting combination of gastronomic, cultural and social traditions. It covers a total area of 1,693 km2 and has a population of 370,000. It is easily accessible (motorways A1, A17 and A2, and the national railway network) and is an important seaport city.
The diocese is comprised of 10 deaneries: Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Anadia, Aveiro, Estarreja, Ílhavo, Murtosa, Oliveira do Bairro, Sever do Vouga and Vagos.
D. António Manuel Moiteiro Ramos has been the Bishop of Aveiro since July 4, 2014.
The patroness of the city is Blessed Joana of Portugal.
E-mail: cod@aveirojmj2023.pt
The Diocese of Beja was founded in the 5th century AD and is the second largest diocese in Portugal. It covers the whole district of Beja and the three southernmost municipalities in the district of Setúbal – Grândola, Santiago do Cacém and Sines.
The diocese has 121 parishes, grouped into six deaneries: Almodôvar, Beja, Cuba, Moura, Odemira and Santiago do Cacém. The patron of the diocese is Saint Joseph the Worker and his day is celebrated on May 1. The Bishop is D. José João dos Santos Marcos.
The Alentejan religious matrix is deeply characterized by its devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother!
E-mail: beja@lisboa2023.org
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It is the oldest diocese in the country and a reference to this day, both for its history and wealth of pastoral growth over the centuries and for its capacity for innovation in the face of today’s challenges. The Archdiocese is comprised of 551 parishes, and its 14 deaneries serve a population of 800,000.
It is recognized for its traditions of worship and popular piety. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the city and hundreds of immigrants come to live here.
At the youth level, the ministry plan is being developed with an increasing focus on today’s youth: those who play an active role in their parochial communities, those who are not involved in the life of the Church and those who, by force of circumstances, are obliged to live far from their family and parish.
E-mail: dnd.codbraga@arquidiocese-braga.pt
Website: diocese-braga.pt/pastoraljovens
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The current territory of the Diocese of Bragança-Miranda was assigned to the Archdiocese of Braga until 1545. The Holy See bestowed the name Diocese of Bragança-Miranda on May 27, 1996.
On May 22, 1545, Pope Paul III created the Diocese of Miranda do Douro. On March 5, 1770, Pope Clement XIV divided the diocese into two: Miranda and Bragança. On September 27, 1780, Pope Pius VI merged the two dioceses and appointed Bragança as its seat. The vicarage of Moncorvo was only integrated into the diocese on September 30, 1881.
The current boundaries of the diocese date back to April 22, 1922, when it concurred with the borders of the district of Bragança. Saint Benedict is the patron of the diocese. The Cathedral of Bragança was inaugurated on October 7, 2001.
The diocese covers 6,599 km2 in area and is the fourth-largest diocese in the country. It is comprised of four deaneries and 18 pastoral units.
E-mail: braganca@lisboa2023.org
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The Diocese of Coimbra is crossed from the mountain to the coast by the Mondego River, an inspiration to both poets and kings. The first historical mentions of the Diocese of Coimbra date to 561, when the Roman city Aeminium stood in the place of what is today Coimbra. The Diocese has 265 parishes and is known for being home to the first king of Portugal, as well as for its university, which stands among the oldest existing universities in the world.
D. Virgílio Antunes has been Bishop of Coimbra since 2011. He has brought even more vigour to the Youth and Higher Education Ministries. Today, he is one of our greatest allies on this path towards WYD Lisbon 2023!
This diocese, brimming with countless groups of young people and diocesan initiatives, attended all the WYD editions, spreading the joy of the Gospel and the faithful testimony of commitment to transform the world.
E-mail: coimbra@lisboa2023.org
Website: codcoimbrajmj.com
The Archdiocese of Evora is made of people, reflecting a sound encounter amidst the uncertainty of a region characterized by distance but where everything remains close. The Alentejo is wide and broad, reaching today to the Lezíria, stretching out in a territory of calm and white, punished by the sun and ripe with light. Its inhabitants, its young people, continue to be the identity of the land and continue to make their way through work, culture, and faith. With its vast expansion of territory, extending to around 13,547 km2, today the Diocese of Evora serves an estimated population of 278,000 inhabitants, residing in over 20 municipalities and consisting of over 150 parishes. The Archdiocese of Evora emerged in the year 303 and even then, in terms of territorial coverage, it already integrated a vast area. Over time, with the creation of new dioceses such as Setubal, Portalegre and Beja, adjustments were made to its size.
E-mail: evora@lisboa2023.org
Website: dioceseevora.pt
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The Madeira Archipelago was officially discovered by the Portuguese between 1418 and 1419 and comprises the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens. Its capital is Funchal, and the current population is approximately 260,000.
The Diocese of Funchal was created on June 12, 1514, with St. James the Less and Our Lady of the Mount as its patron saints, and its cathedral is the Cathedral of Funchal. The Diocese has 96 parishes and seven deaneries – Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, São Vicente/Porto Moniz, Calheta, Machico/Santa Cruz, Santana and Ribeira Brava/Ponta do Sol. D. Nuno Brás da Silva Martins has been the Bishop of Funchal since 2019, making him the 33rd bishop of the Diocese.
The youth ministry holds an annual diocesan day, where young people from the whole archipelago come together. Besides this important diocesan event, we have been coordinating courses and activities more intensively to prepare for WYD Lisbon 2023.
E-mail: funchal@lisboa2023.org
Website: diocesedofunchal.com
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The Diocese of Guarda has existed for over 800 years. Its seat was brought to the city of Guarda by D. Sancho I, from Idanha-a-Velha, who ordered the construction of a magnificent cathedral, which marks the centre of the city.
Since 2005, our diocese has been represented by Bishop D. Manuel Felício, who relies on the collaboration of around 80 parish priests from a total of 365 parishes.
The diocese, which covers the districts of Guarda, Castelo Branco and Coimbra, is one of great social and cultural diversity, tracing the slopes of the striking Serra da Estrela.
In a markedly rural area, the Catholic religion is still predominant, stemming from its great traditions and devotions, and also its youth, brought to the Diocese by the Higher Education campuses of Guarda and Covilhã.
E-mail:
guarda@lisboa2023.org
Website: codguardajmj.org
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Following the course of the Douro River, and touching the sky above some of its mountains, Lamego is one of the oldest and most emblematic dioceses in Portugal.
Genuine, welcoming people with unique traditions can be found here… with dynamic youth, who promote encounters grounded on faith and celebration.
Those who visit Lamego will find a rich heritage of breath-taking landscapes, historical monuments and the most beautiful Sanctuaries, which welcome thousands of pilgrims during their pilgrimages.
An open window to the future, our diocese brings generations together and invites all those who visit Lamego to partake in this spirit of fraternity, and enjoy its typical conviviality around a table bearing the most exquisite delicacies.
E-mail: lamego.sdpj@gmail.com
The Diocese of Leiria-Fatima has a history of centuries to tell. The Apparition of Our Lady to the three little shepherds of Fatima is the highlight of our history of faith. A shrine built to mark this location has already been visited by 4 Popes, and Pope Francis will return here in 2023.
It is a small diocese, protected by its patron saints Augustine and Our Lady of Fatima, consisting of 73 parishes under the guidance of Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho, its pastor.
The landscape stretches out between the beautiful beaches and the majestic mountains of Aire and Candeeiros, where, amidst the culture and nature, we are welcomed by its people whose hospitality is always worthy of praise.
Barely 100 km from Lisbon, it is easily accessible by bus or train (North and West lines), thus positioning this diocese in close proximity to everything and making it easy to reach.
E-mail: leiria_fatima@lisboa2023.org
Website: sdpjleiria.com
Created in 1549 and enlarged in 1881 with the integration of the Diocese of Castelo Branco, the Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco is located in the territory of the former Egitânia, Idanha-a-Velha, a village which still preserves the former Cathedra and a baptistery dating back to the first centuries of the Christian era. Its patron saint is St. Anthony of Lisbon.
It is crossed by the River Tagus, narrowing at the Portas do Ródão to join the two banks, boasting vast plains to the south (Alto Alentejo) and north (Idanha) with a never-ending horizon, which alternate with the mountains, the mountain range of S. Mamede to the south and the entire northern area (Beira Baixa and Ribatejo), featuring extensive forests and scattered populations, where its inhabitants seek sustenance in their contact with nature.
The Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco has an area of 9,149.44 km2, and a population of 222,341 (2011 Census), most of whom are elderly.
E-mail: portalegre_castelo.branco@lisboa2023.org
Website: portalegre-castelobranco.pt
The Diocese of Porto stretches across three thousand square kilometers with a population of around two million people.
It is situated in the north of Portugal on the Atlantic coastline, extending inland along the left bank of the River Ave and Vizela to the Tamega valley, and is bordered to the south by the Douro River Valley.
The first bishop of Porto from 1114 to 1136 was D. Hugo. The Cathedral of Porto is a national monument, a Romanesque and Gothic construction (12th and 13th centuries) featuring baroque modifications that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Diocese of Porto covers 26 municipalities, 17 of which belong to the district of Porto, 8 to the district of Aveiro and 1 to the district of Braga. It has 4 pastoral regions, 22 vicariates and 477 parishes.
D. Manuel Linda has been Bishop of Porto since March 2018.
E-mail: porto@lisboa2023.org / sdpj.porto@gmail.com
Website: sdpjporto.pt
The region between Minho and Lima always enjoyed a degree of religious autonomy up to 1514, when it was incorporated into the diocese of Braga. It is the youngest diocese in Portugal, created on 3 November 1977, in response to increasing insistence.
Its area, covering 2,108Km2, coincides with the civil territory of the district of Viana do Castelo, consisting of 291 parishes and a population of 250,000. It comprises 10 deaneries: Arcos de Valdevez, Caminha, Melgaço, Monção, Paredes de Coura, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, Valença, Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Cerveira.
The Mother Church of Santa Maria Maior was constituted a Cathedral and the restored Convento de S. Domingos became the headquarters of the diocesan central services.
E-mail: viana.castelo@lisboa2023.org
Webiste: jotasdeviana.blogspot.com
Vila Real is a young diocese which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2022.
Since 2019, it has been entrusted to the sixth bishop, D. António Azevedo. Its patron saint is Our Lady of the Conception. It is comprised of eight deaneries, from Barroso to Douro and from Terra Quente to Baixo Tamega.
The beauty of its landscapes, a blend of mountains and valleys, vineyards and orchards, rivers and dams, is overwhelming. Its hospitable people, unique gastronomy and enology, as well as its singular monuments, traditions and customs await those who visit.
The Pilgrimages are a prominent feature of this diocese, as is the religiosity of its people, rich in values. The cultural expression of its inhabitants and the way they live their faith is characterized by an immense devotion to Our Lady and her various titles.
Subject of interest: The diocese of Vila Real corresponds to the area of the District of Vila Real with a population of around 250,000 inhabitants, over 90% of whom are Christian.
E-mail: vila.real@lisboa2023.org
Website: diocese-vilareal.pt
Viseu boasts one of the oldest dioceses in Portugal. Its first reference dates back to the Council of Braga in 572. Nestled in the ‘heart’ of Portugal, with St. Teotonio as its patron saint, Bishop António Luciano is entrusted with this diocese.
Its territory stretches across 3400 Km2 and, according to data from 2016, it has a population of 260,356 inhabitants, of whom 239,375 are Catholic (baptized). It is subdivided into 6 deaneries, in which a total of 208 parishes are integrated. In 2015, 1515 young people were granted the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Movements, associations and youth groups are scattered across its geographical area, all bestowing a powerful influence and vitality on the youth services.
The whole diocese is also characterized by a very rich religious heritage, representative of different eras and styles, and a highly tradition- based culture.
E-mail: viseu@lisboa2023.org
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Featured news about the Days in the Dioceses and the preparation of the dioceses of Portugal for WYD Lisbon 2023 here!
Contacts
For more information, contact the Diocesan Organizing Committees (COD) or write to diasnadiocese@lisboa2023.org.
