Over 80 pilgrims from across the Archdiocese will make the journey to meet Pope Francis and young people of the world

The adventure of a lifetime for some of our young people is about to begin as they take part in World Youth Day in Lisbon.

The global event takes place every few years and was initiated by Saint John Paul II in 1986. Right from the beginning of his pontificate, Saint John Paul said to young people, 'You are my hope'.

A group of 82 pilgrims led by His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley, will be representing the Archdiocese of Birmingham in Lisbon.

The pilgrimage has been organised by the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT). Although World Youth Day runs from 1-6 August, the diocesan group headed out on Monday, 24 July, to spend some time in the Diocese of Lisboa.

This year's theme is: "Mary arose and went with haste" (Lk 1:39).

The biblical phrase (a quote from the Gospel of St Luke) opens the account of the Visitation (Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth), a biblical episode following the Annunciation (the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, and the theme of the last WYD, in Panama).

During their conversation of the Annunciation, the angel also tells Mary that her older cousin, thought to be sterile, is pregnant. After affirming to the angel ”Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Lk 1:38), it is then that Mary sets out for Ain Karim, a village near Jerusalem where Elizabeth lived and was awaiting the birth of John, who would become Saint John the Baptist.

Mary of Nazareth is the great figure of the Christian journey. She teaches us to say yes to God. She was the protagonist of the last edition of WYD and will be so once again in Lisbon.

The highlights of World Youth Day are the celebrations where the Pope is present, such as the welcoming and opening ceremony, the Way of the Cross, the Vigil and, on the last day, the closing Mass.

Follow the WYD journey

You can follow the WYD pilgrimage journey on KYT’s social media channels:

• Twitter
• Facebook 
• Instagram

Or by using the hashtag #brum2wyd

Shalom TV – World Youth Day Coverage

The live broadcast of World Youth Day is brought to you by the Catholic channel Shalom World TV, the Media Partner for World Youth Day.

Join the link to bring the electrifying atmosphere of the world's largest youth gathering straight to your screens.

Witness the excitement, joy, and unity of millions of young hearts from around the world. Let your living rooms be filled with the contagious energy and love that only this global youth celebration can offer.

Be part of this unforgettable journey from 1-6 August at Lisbon.

Shalom TV: World Youth Day

About Kenelm Youth Trust

The Kenelm Youth Trust is committed to providing life-changing opportunities for young people. It was established by the Archdiocese of Birmingham to oversee and bring together the wide variety of youth work that is undertaken in various settings throughout the Archdiocese.