35 young adults from across Sandhurst have joined hundreds and thousands of pilgrims from dioceses around the World at World Youth Day events in Lisbon, where they are participating in five days of worship, activities, and fellowship. 

There are 354,000 pilgrims from at least 143 countries officially registered for the event, so no doubt Sandhurst pilgrims will return to their parishes with a heightened sense of global solidarity.  Although World Youth Day is gigantic in scale, with masses of people literally bumping into each other on the streets, World Youth Day is anything but impersonal.  Pilgrims are seeking true encounter with Jesus and authentic connection with each other, as Cardinal Manuel Clement, the patriarch of Lisbon, reminded them at the Opening Mass on 1 August:

“Let us learn from Mary to greet each and every person. Let us intensely put it to practice this World Youth Day …The new world begins in the newness of every encounter and in the sincerity of the greeting we exchange, so that we may be people among people, in a mutual and constant visitation.”

Cardinal Clement has taken Pope Francis’ lead referring to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as a model for young people to follow drawing on the theme for the 27th World Youth Day –  “Mary arose and went with haste” (Luke 1:39).  

Pope Francis apparently chose the theme because he sees Mary as a model for “young people on the move”, who are more concerned about others than themselves. 

“She is a woman of Easter, in a permanent state of exodus, going forth from herself towards that great Other who is God and towards others, her brothers and sisters, especially those in greatest need, like her cousin Elizabeth.”

In his official message for World Youth Day 2023  Pope Francis wrote: 

“After the Annunciation, Mary could have focused on herself and her own worries and fears about her new condition. Instead, she entrusted herself completely to God. Her thoughts turned to Elizabeth. She got up and went forth, into the world of life and movement. Even though the astonishing message of the angel had caused a seismic shift in her plans, the young Mary did not remain paralyzed, for within her was Jesus, the power of resurrection and new life. Within herself, Mary already bore the Lamb that was slain and yet lives. She arises and sets out, for she is certain that God’s plan is the best plan for her life. Mary becomes a temple of God, an image of the pilgrim Church, a Church that goes forth for service, a Church that brings the good news to all!

To experience the presence of the risen Christ in our own lives, to encounter him “alive”, is the greatest spiritual joy, an explosion of light that can leave no one untouched. Mary sets out immediately, anxious to bring the news to others, to bear witness to the joy of this encounter. This too is what caused the haste of the first disciples following the resurrection: “[the women] left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples” (Mt 28:8).”

If you’ve been following Sandhurst pilgrims on social media you’ll see that they are certainly outward-focused and keen to share their joy with their parishioners, friends and family back home. 

Sisi Prisilia, from Sacred Heart, Corryong said she is excited for the opportunity and is really looking forward to embracing Jesus and the spiritual experience while surrounded by thousands of like-minded young adults from around the world.  “I’m especially excited to see the Pope!” she said. 

Let’s hope Sisi was standing next to Mason Crosier, from St Brendan’s, Shepparton when he snapped a picture of Pope Francis as he drove by.  

The WYD experience includes a visit to Fatima and a post-WYD retreat at Avila in Spain. The Sandhurst pilgrimage is led by Sandhurst Youth Ministry Coordinator, Ruth Lawlor. The chaplain is Fr Jackson Saunders (St Brendan’s, Shepparton). 

Fr Rob Galea is also at World Youth Day serving in Ministry.