Dear Friends in Christ,

In August 2023, all roads will seem to lead to Lisbon for World Youth Day, a gathering of young people all over the world with the Pope. Exciting isn’t it? But if you are like me, I would be scared because it feels like entering a big dance hall— beautiful and nice—but you really don’t know anyone enough to dance with. This is why I would like you to consider joining our Assumption Youth Pilgrimage group as a delegate, volunteer or sponsor to the World Youth Day happening in Lisbon.

 We may be able to teach you a few dance steps along the way but we are all about being a community. Perhaps you know the Assumption because you are a student, a resident, a lay partner, a colleague, a relative or a friend. Even if you aren’t any of these, that’s fine. All are welcome, and now is the perfect time to be part of this wonderful community.

So, if this is convincing enough, let’s go to the details.

ALICANTE: Days in the assumption

Signing-up means that you’ll join our D.I.A. (Days in the Assumption), a pre-WYD gathering, in Elche (Alicante), Spain. Think of it as entering a smaller dance hall with better chances of dancing with some you know. Pilgrims like you will have a chance to be welcomed and received in friendship in a community sponsored by the global family of the Augustinians of the Assumption , Religious of the Assumption, and Oblates of the Assumption. There will be several prayer opportunities during these days. Of course, there will be a chance to discover the local church of Elche, Alicante in Spain, share the richness and diversity of different cultures with one another, and participate in a mission activity together.

fatima and lisbon: world youth day 2023

We will take the bus for a day of prayer at the Fatima Shrine in Portugal, the site of our Lady’s miraculous apparition to a group of young people with a message of God’s grace and mercy.

You can read more about what will happen in Lisbon during the World Youth Day 2023 activities. Yes, it is not just a day but a week-long roster of activities that include catechesis, cultural presentations, liturgical celebrations and culminates with a Mass presided by Pope Francis. If you are a registered volunteer, you will get a special audience with the Pope at the end of the festivities. For me, what I find interesting is that this year’s catechesis will be different as it will be done using the “synodal” method at the request of Pope Francis.

The journey does not end in Lisbon. In fact, with your journey home you will probably feel physically exhausted but spiritually renewed. When I first joined WYD several years ago, I have grown to love the Church, gone deeper with my relationship with God and neighbor, and have actually started discerning God’s personal invitation in my life. I expect the same things this time around for you and perhaps even better because you know a few more “dance steps” through the Assumption.

things to consider

I’ll be honest. Flights are not as cheap as they used to be and we are trying our best to keep the costs low. The earlier we could register as a group, the better our chances to get good rates and for us to be lodged together in Lisbon. We will not be taking any profit from this and have put our prices lower than those who would require the services of travel companies or fancy hotels.

 There will be a lot of walking too. So we encourage you to be in good health in time for our pilgrimage. To be a delegate, we ask that you must be between 17 to 35 years of age. To be a volunteer, you must be willing to help with the tasks set by the organizing committee such as facilitating catechesis, being a guide, etc. If you are a good musician, do let us know too.

There will be no problem going to Europe if you have a US passport or a Schengen visa. If you don’t have any of these credentials, we will help you secure some required documents for a Schengen visa.

If you know any of the official languages of the Assumption—English, Spanish or French—you’ll be good, too!

paris: along the footsteps of the founders

For those brave enough to take further adventures, the journey literally continues to Paris, France. There, we will be hosted by Assumption communities including the Assumptionist-sponsored Adveniat Youth Hostel . We will join the communities for prayers and meals and during the day, we will go around the city tracing the footsteps of two Assumption Founders—Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon , founder of the Assumptionists and Oblate Sisters, and St. Marie-Eugenie, foundress of the Religious of the Assumption.

LOURDES: 150 YEARS OF ASSUMPTIONIST PILGRIMAGES

The high-speed train to Lourdes, France is a delight in itself. We will be joining thousands of pilgrims to the Pèlerinage National sponsored by the Assumptionists each year that culminates on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15. This time, it will be the 150th year anniversary of this pilgrimage.

“Mary arose and went with haste” from Luke 1:39 is the theme of the WYD and our pilgrimage. So, together, let us be on our way!

Fraternally yours,

Brother Blair Nuyda, A.A Director of Vocation Ministry