Large Delegation of Local Catholics will Attend World Youth Day
June 9, 2023 | The Diocese of St. Petersburg is continuing to prepare for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. On Saturday, June 3, 2023, over 60 pilgrims gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Inverness to learn more about their upcoming journey to see Pope Francis with more than a million people from around the world.
June 9, 2023 | The Diocese of St. Petersburg is continuing to prepare for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. On Saturday, June 3, 2023, over 60 pilgrims gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Inverness to learn more about their upcoming journey to see Pope Francis with more than a million people from around the world.
The day was focused on prayer, building community, and sharing details about the itinerary. Every three years, the Holy Father calls Catholic youth and young adults from all countries to gather together. It’s a meeting with the pope to pray and worship in this international celebration. Participants get a chance to grow deeper in their faith and connect with others from different backgrounds.
“It’s a beautiful pilgrimage. We are being called by God and we are going to be encountering God in exciting ways,” said Ryan Phelan, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Phelan has organized and attended five other World Youth Day events.
“We get to pray alongside people from all over the world and experience the universal Church,” added Phelan.
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is sending one of the largest U.S. delegations, with 118 pilgrims going to World Youth Day, August 1-6, 2023.
“I am very excited for World Youth Day,” said Cecelia Gauthreaux, parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Clearwater. “I am looking forward to going on my first pilgrimage and looking forward to making more Christ-centered friendships.”
Ana and Aldo Jahuey are siblings who will get to experience World Youth Day for the first time together.
“From day one, I have felt like it has brought us closer,” said Ana Jahuey, of St. Cecelia Parish in Clearwater. “I’m glad we have this wonderful opportunity to journey together.”
Ana hopes that World Youth Day will enliven her spirit and that she can say “YES” with joy to whatever plans the Lord has in store for her.
World Youth Day was established by Pope John Paul II in 1985. The gatherings typically last about one week. This year, the location in Lisbon is less than 100 miles from the city of Fatima, home to the Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.
The theme for this year’s World Youth Day is “Mary arose and went with haste,” based on Luke 1:39. Please keep all those who will be attending this pilgrimage in your prayers.
Official Prayer for World Youth Day Lisbon
Our Lady of the Visitation,
you who left in haste towards the mountain to meet Elizabeth,
lead us also to meet all those who await us
to deliver them the living Gospel:
Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord!
We will go in a hurry, with no distraction or delay,
but with readiness and joy.
We will go peacefully, because those who take Christ take peace,
and welldoing is the best wellbeing.
Our Lady of the Visitation,
with your inspiration, this World Youth Day
will be the mutual celebration of the Christ we take, as You once did.
Make it a time of testimony and sharing,
fraternization, and giving thanks,
each of us looking for the others who always wait.
With you, we will continue on this path of gathering,
so that our world will gather as well,
in fraternity, justice and peace.
Help us, Our Lady of the Visitation,
to bring Christ to everyone, obeying the Father, in the love of the Spirit!
Follow Along with the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Pilgrimage
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Click on Arrow Below to View Photos from the Retreat
The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is funded by gifts to the Catholic Ministry Appeal.
