World Youth Day 2023, organised by the Catholic Church, promises to be a transformative experience for all participants. Good Samaritan Catholic College will join the thousands, where a number of our students from Year 10 to Year 12 take the journey! The GSCC WYD 2023 subweb page will provide you information about the essence and objectives of the event, as well as program highlights and updated news written by our pilgrims.
WYD 23 Theme: "Mary arose and went with haste"
The chosen Bible quote, "Mary Arose and Went with Haste," symbolises the energetic spirit of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. The motto, derived from the Gospel of St. Luke, highlights Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation. Mary's swift response to the angel's message embodies her faith and willingness to follow God's plan.
Mary's journey serves as an inspiration for young people, urging them to embrace their role as active and missionary evangelisers. Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, encourages young people to be courageous missionaries, emphasising that the Gospel is meant for everyone, without limitations or boundaries.
In the biblical account of the Visitation, Mary's actions of charity and missionary zeal are emphasised. The Pope calls upon young people to emulate Mary's spirit as they recognise and bear witness to the living presence of Christ in their lives.
With Mary of Nazareth as the central figure, World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon aims to empower young people to say "yes" to God and embark on a journey of faith and evangelisation. The event will provide a platform for young participants to embrace their missionary calling, transcending borders and limitations to spread the Gospel message to all corners of the world.
Objectives of World Youth Day 2023
World Youth Day 2023 has a set of powerful objectives:
a. Faith Formation: Through engaging catechesis, liturgical celebrations, and prayerful encounters, participants will have opportunities to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and grow spiritually.
b. Cultural Exchange: World Youth Day embraces the beauty of diversity and fosters dialogue among young people from different cultures, promoting respect, tolerance, and appreciation for global diversity.
c. Social Engagement: Inspired by their faith, participants will be encouraged to actively engage in social justice initiatives, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental concerns, and human rights.
d. Vocational Discernment: World Youth Day 2023 aims to assist young people in discerning their vocations, whether it be in religious life, marriage, or a particular profession, providing guidance and mentorship along the way.
e. Community Building: Through shared experiences, World Youth Day aims to create a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and friendship among participants, fostering a strong global community of young Catholics.
Program Highlights
The program for World Youth Day 2023 is designed to offer an enriching and diverse range of activities, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants. Some of the exciting program highlights include:
a. Opening and Closing Masses: The event will commence with a grand opening Mass, followed by various liturgical celebrations throughout the event. The closing Mass, presided over by the Pope, will be a powerful culmination of spiritual unity.
b. Catechesis Sessions: Renowned theologians and speakers will lead engaging talks, workshops, and discussions on faith, spirituality, and contemporary issues, encouraging participants to deepen their understanding and ask meaningful questions.
c. Youth Festivals: Cultural showcases, music concerts, theatrical performances, and artistic displays will provide a vibrant platform for participants to celebrate and share their diverse cultures and talents.
d. Pilgrimages and Prayer Services: Participants will have the opportunity to embark on pilgrimages to local religious sites, engage in prayer services, and experience moments of spiritual reflection and renewal.
e. Service Projects: World Youth Day 2023 will provide avenues for participants to engage in meaningful service projects, volunteering their time and talents to make a positive impact on the host city and its communities.
Join the Journey
World Youth Day 2023 invites young people from all corners of the globe to embark on a profound journey of faith, friendship, and self-discovery. It is a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, deepen faith, and become agents of positive change in the world.
Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding World Youth Day 2023, as we look forward to embarking on this transformative adventure together.