Echoes of World Youth Day Lisbon

There was in total a group of 30 Gozitans, for the World Youth Day (WYD) in Portugal. The group was composed of pilgrims coming from different backgrounds, between the ages of 15 and 59 years. Some pilgrims were part of a youth group, others joined by themselves. Uniting and guiding the group there was the spiritual leader H.E. Mons. Anton Teuma who apart from delivering a catechesis to the Gozitan and Maltese in Portugal, humbly, throughout the week sustained the pilgrims with his words.

The following are narratives of some Gozitan youths who lived the WYD, in Lisbon Portugal.

 

 

Francesco Pio Attard

This was my third experience of the WYD, following those of 2005 in Cologne and of 2011 in Madrid, and my first one, where rather than as a youth, I was accompanying a group of youths. I can say that each time, the WYD is an experience that fills you with courage when you see the urge of so many youths from all around the world for Christ and the Church. For yet another time it was an encounter with the youthful face of the Church and with its universality. I believe that from such events there can be a lot of benefit in the path of faith for many youths.

 

Jennifer Cauchi

This was the first experience of WYD for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this experience. However, from the moment I arrived I was welcomed by an atmosphere of profound spirituality and youthful enthusiasm. An experience during which I encountered vibrant energy throughout the streets of Lisbon. The air was full of singing, joyful music and a sense of communion that gathered thousands of youths, from every corner of the world, into one family.

 

Matthew Attard

World Youth Day proved to be a completely different experience than I expected, making it a really remarkable occasion on its own. Indeed, it provided an opportunity for people from many cultures to come together and celebrate what they believe in, through various activities and catechesis. Additionally, this experience provided an opportunity for us to evaluate and realign our lives. It was a spiritual journey in which we shared the experiences of other pilgrims. A memorable memory from this pilgrimage is being among millions of other young people practicing our faith with Pope Francis and listening to his message.

 

Kristina Marie Scerri

I had the opportunity to attend to the WYD in Portugal. It is an experience which I will never forget. Seeing millions of young people from all over the world gathered in one place for a common cause, made me feel proud that I belong to the same community as them. Seeing that big number of young people, made me realise that the Church is still alive among young people, it is a myth that only old people go to Church. I cannot not mention the message that Pope Francis emphasized during the sermon on the last day, “do not be afraid and never give up”. This is because, we, young people, very often think that we are not strong enough, or feel alone and give up.

I must admit that following this experience, the way of how I look towards life as a Christian has changed. I am treasuring more my Christian values. I recommend other young people not to miss the opportunity and to participate in the next WYD in Seoul, in 2027!

 

Luca Portelli

What a marvellous experience it was! For me, it marked a moment of pilgrimage, and witnessing thousands of other young people from all around the world undoubtedly signifies that our church is still thriving. There are two moments which I will treasure throughout my life. The first occurred on Saturday night during the Vigil of the Pope, where a moment of silence prevailed during the adoration. Furthermore, the joy and happiness that Pope Francis exuded on that day were truly remarkable. In fact, he underscored that "Joy is a Mission."

Another moment that will undoubtedly remain with me is when we were making our way back home, and a person from the Portuguese town graciously offered us fruits. He reiterated these words, "Share Love." At times, we must extend this joy and love even to our adversaries, refugees, the impoverished, and the vulnerable individuals.

 

Simon Zammit

The WYD is an event that instilled a strong urge within me to continue working within the Church, as I witnessed millions of youths from every corner of the world all gathered in one place in the name of the Catholic Church. It was Pope Francis himself that emphasised that, “in the Church there is room for everyone!”.

The most special moment was when we were all gathered together for the Vigil with Pope Francis, and during adoration there was perfect silence, albeit being in the midst of such a large gathering of youths. There was a tangible feeling of unity of the people with Christ in the Eucharist.

After this experience, I am very eager to continue being part of this youthful Church and apart from that, to participate in similar events!

 

Malcolm John Caruana

The World Youth Day was more than just an event; it was a journey of self-discovery, faith, and connection with young individuals from all over the globe. From the opening ceremonies to the final Mass, each moment was filled with a sense of shared purpose and spirituality. The various catechesis sessions of fellow youths opened my eyes to the challenges faced by young believers in different parts of the world. The days filled with songs, prayers, and the collective energy of hundreds of thousands of youths were very satisfying and left a mark on my heart.

The climax of the event, the Vigil and the final Mass, were an overwhelming experience. Praying together with so many pilgrims, under the open sky, made me realise the beauty of our shared faith and the strength of the youth in shaping the future of the Church.

As I look back, I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for the memories, the lessons learned, and the friendships made. This experience has strengthened my faith, given me a broader perspective, and inspired me to be an example of hope and love in my community.

 

Mark Attard

The memories I forged during the 2023's World Youth Day have been imprinted upon my heart. The realization of this long-awaited dream unfolding before my eyes was unbelievable.

Numerous instances have woven together to render this encounter unforgettable. Notably, the Via Crucis observed at Campo Eduardo VII became one of the most cherished moments. The narratives recounted by diverse youths, who, despite enduring profound trials, yet clung to hope by intertwining their burdens with Christ's passion, instilled in me a realization of the role of prayer in my life.

The pinnacle of this journey, however, manifested during the night vigil. The Pontiff's words created an aura of hope, giving the multitudes of youth a sense of peace and strength. The words that deeply touched me were: "Nothing is free in life; everything requires payment. There is only one thing that is free: the love of Jesus. Therefore, with this freely-given love that we have received and with our desire to walk, let us walk in hope, look to our roots, and strive ahead fearlessly, fearlessly. Do not be afraid!" I was deeply touched by the moment of Eucharistic Adoration. Upon the emergence of Christ on the altar, the youthful assembly all bent down on their knees, with a deep sense of reverence. It was a spectacle of profound devotion.

These fragments of memories shall serve as a reminder of the emotions and experiences that defined my experience of WYD 2023.