In its official website, https://www. lisboa2023.org/en/, it says that “it is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth world.” Celebrated as an international gathering every two, three, or four years, it brings together millions of young people to celebrate their faith and sense of belonging to the Church.

The first one was held in in 1986 in Rome. Initiated by Pope John Paul II, it has since then become a “laboratory of faith, a place of birth for vocations to marriage and consecrated life, and an instrument for the transformation of the Church.” Cancelled the past three years because of the pandemic, at last it will be held from August 1-6 in Lisbon, Portugal. The theme chosen: Mary set out in haste (Luke 1:39).

The Logo

According to organizers, this year’s logo features the colors of the Portuguese flag. The rosary represents the spirituality of the Portuguese people and their devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. A cross dominates; a road runs over it, “where the Holy Spirit rises.” The figure of Mary is prominent, expresses the youth of her years, characteristic of one who is not yet a mother but who carries the light of the world within her. Taking inspiration from her, it is an invitation to young people “not to stand idle but be the protagonists in building the world of tomorrow.”

What happens over the course of a week’s celebration? “Young people from all over the world are welcomed, mainly in public (gymnasiums, schools, pavilions…) and parish facilities or family homes. In addition to the moments of prayer, sharing, and leisure, the young people enrolled in this celebration participate in various initiatives organized by the WYD team, in various locations across the host city. The highlights are the celebrations for which 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.”

GOOD NEWS!

St. Ignatius Parish will send twelve young people to the World Youth Day this year. Together with nineteen others from the Jesuit Group –MAGIS (two, coming from the St. Ignatius International Youth Ministry or SIIYM) and groups from other Dioceses, they will represent the Church in Japan.

In the following pages, we are featuring our participants in the World Youth Day.

You will get to know them – why they wanted to go to the WYD, what their expectations are, and how they intend to share the experience once they return.

They Need Us

Only two months are left for their preparations. Many are pre-occupied with the cost it entails. Some are doing extra “arubaito.” others are digging deep into their savings; parents are trying to help. Are you aware that after Mass, some participants stand behind a big wooden box in front of the Main Church? Shyly, they are asking for donations. Every yen you drop counts. Cheer them up! The family of St. Ignatius is here. We send you with our prayers and sacrifices.

From August 1-6, watch the proceedings from the Vatican You Tube channel. Let us earnestly search for the Japanese banner or flag. See if we can spot the 150-man delegation composed of young priests and religious as well. Their presence, among the millions of participants, has a deep significance.

“Hey, WE ARE HERE TOO! WE ARE A MINORITY.

Notwithstanding, we proclaim to the world, CHRIST IS PRESENT IN JAPAN!”
 

By Sr. Flor M. Florece, FI