Verghese V Joseph –
Lisbon: In a message to 4,00,000 youngsters registered for the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) event, Pope Francis exhorted them to prepare themselves to experience new hopes and horizons. The event runs from 1-6 August in Lisbon, Portugal.
Pope Francis agreed that taking part in WYD is “a beautiful thing” built on the hope of events that will unfold.
In his video message released on Thursday, the Pope praised young Catholics’ enthusiasm as they prepare to travel.
“I can imagine the things you must have on your mind,” he said, “how you’re going to: make it happen, request your work or study permit, get what you need for your trip, so many concerns!”
World Youth Day is a worldwide encounter with the Pope celebrated every three years in a different country. The most recent WYD was celebrated in Panama City, Panamá, from January 22-27, 2019.
WYD is open to all young people who want to participate in a festive encounter centered on Jesus Christ with their peers. This event is an opportunity to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church and to share with the whole world the hope of many young people who are committing their lives to Christ and His Church. World Youth Day is a unique way to deepen one’s faith and grow closer to Christ, through prayer and the sacraments, together with hundreds of thousands of other young people who share your interests and ambitions.
Read Pope Francis’ message below:
“Dear Young People, we are getting closer, there are still a few more months to go until World Youth Day, and already 400,000 people have registered for World Youth Day. It calls my attention and fills me with joy that so many people will attend WYD because they need to participate. Some will say, “I’m going as a tourist…But any person who goes to WYD, because deep down, he or she has the thirst to participate, share, tell their experience, and receive the experience of others. They are thirsty for horizons.”
“You young people, there are already 400,000 of you registered, are thirsty for the horizon, and at this meeting, during the WYD, learn to look towards the horizon, to always look beyond. Don’t put up a wall in front of your life.
“Wall close you in; the horizon makes you grow. Always look at the horizon with your eyes, but look, above all, with your heart. Open your heart to other cultures, to other boys, to other girls who are also at this World Youth Day.
“Get ready for this: to open to the horizon, to open your hearts. And thank you for having already registered so far in advance.
“Let’s hope others will follow your example. May God Bless you, may the Virgin take care of you. Pray for me, for I pray for you. And don’t forget: ‘No’ to walls, ‘yes’ to horizons. Thank you.”
Click https://www.lisboa2023.org/en to learn more about WYD.