A month before World Youth Day (WYD), the Diocese of Lisbon registers 6,300 pilgrim host families and 1,076 collective living quarters, “exceeding all expectations,” the organizing committee coordinator told Lusa.
“This is more than we expected. In the case of the Diocese of Lisbon, we had to find a place for about 200,000 pilgrims. At the moment, within the limits of what we have confirmed, we will exceed this capacity”, Joao Clemente, coordinator of the WYD Organizing Committee of the Diocese of Lisbon.
According to the balance sheet compiled by João Clemente, 1,076 collective dwellings have been inspected and 6,300 host families have been found so far in the 22 municipalities that make up the Diocese of Lisbon.
Collective living quarters will accommodate 215,000 pilgrims and host family homes 22,000.
In terms of parishioner volunteers, the Diocese of Lisbon has so far managed to recruit 12,000 people, a number the organization considers “very positive.”
These volunteers, Joao Clemente explained, will help prepare places where the pilgrims will sleep, have breakfast, and provide information on food and transport.
“The distribution of pilgrims to parishes has already begun. That is, some parishes already know the number of pilgrims who, in fact, will receive, their nationality. Aspects. When they arrive, when they leave,” he said.
João Clemente also emphasized the “unity and motivation” that is felt in the “last phase” and which, in the case of the Diocese of Lisbon, is felt more these days due to the presence of the WYD symbols that will pass through the 22 municipalities. .
“These symbols also served to mobilize and motivate the people in this last phase. It was a pilgrimage and there were many parties.
The Diocese of Lisbon consists of 288 parishes located in the municipalities of Lisbon, Loures, Odivelas, Amadora, Sintra, Oeiras, Cascais, Mafra, Vila Franca de Xira, Azambuja, Arruda dos Vinhos, Sobral de Monte Agraço, Torres Vedras. , Alenquer and Cadaval from the Lisbon area and Bombarral, Lourinha, Caldas da Rainha, Peniche, Obidos, Nazare and Alcobaça from the Leiria area.
Considered the largest event of the Catholic Church, WYD will take place from August 1 to 6, and about 1.5 million people, almost three times the population of Lisbon, are expected to attend in the presence of Pope Francis.
The main ceremonies of the day take place in the Tagus Park, north of Parque das Nacoins, on the banks of the Tagus River, in the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures.
The WYD originated at the initiative of Pope John Paul II, and the first edition took place in 1986 in Rome.
Pope Francis was the first to register for WMJLisboa2023 on October 23, 2022 at the Vatican after the Angelus celebration. The gesture marked the opening of registration worldwide for the worldwide meeting of youth with the Pope that will close the Day.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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