Students Return from World Youth Day

Our World Youth Day representatives have returned from their incredible trip to Lisbon. We asked them to reflect on their adventure and share some of their photos.

Kevin

"My World Youth Day experience was an inspiring and life-changing one, being able to meet and connect with new people not just from Melbourne, but from across the world. It was memorable to celebrate and share our common faith with others, which included lots of praise and worship and even some loud music and mosh pits. 

"In addition to this, exploring Portugal and Fatima was a privilege, to be able to see many beautiful churches and take in another beautiful environment that God has made. It was truly something I will not forget, and I hope that I can go to another World Youth Day in the future."

Anna

"Being a part of a pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2023 was truly a life-changing experience. 

"I was blessed with the opportunity to represent St Francis Catholic College along with three other students to deepen our Christian faith. 

"With more than 1.5 million other pilgrims from around the world, we got a better understanding of Catholicism and what it means to love Jesus and and live a life following his path. 

"I participated in Catechesis where other pilgrims shared stories on how they came to find Christianity and how it is practised in other countries. 

We embraced and celebrated our faith which was very special to me as I met people who shared the same love for religion as I do."

Thinh

"World Youth Day was a wonderful experience. Lisbon was a beautiful and welcoming city with great people and a great culture. 

"The event was very well organised and there was rarely a dull moment. Spiritually, to have been in the presence of the Holy Father and to have prayed with a million other people was inspiring. 

"My highlight was Fatima and the candlelight service; it truly felt like God was present and the traditional style of the service was spiritually enriching. 

"I highly enjoyed this experience and strongly recommend it to anyone who may be considering attending World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027."

Deng

"Being able to travel to another country for a pilgrimage is something I'll forever be grateful for. It was a privilege to be selected to go and worship our Lord Jesus in a country with so much history. 

"During my time in Lisbon, I was able to create new bonds and friendships with people whom I have never met before. I highly recommend students take part in the next World Youth Day if they get the chance - it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience with millions of young people.

"The highlight for me was seeing Pope Francis drive past! We had a very good view and it was just amazing to see him in person. I will forever cherish WYD LISBON 2023!"

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