Students Ready for World Youth Day in Portugal

Year 11 students Thinh, Deng, Kevin and Anna will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, this weekend with students from the Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese attending World Youth Day.

Melbourne pilgrims will represent some 134 parishes, schools, and movements across the archdiocese, including almost 100 students and 60 teachers from 57 Catholic secondary schools.

“We are incredibly proud to have four students and three staff travelling to World Youth Day in Lisbon this year. This will be a life-changing experience for our students and I’m confident they will bring back new enthusiasm and energy in their faith. We look forward to hearing about their experiences.”

This week the students gave us their thoughts on their upcoming trip.

They also appeared in today's edition of the Melton Moorabool Star Weekly Newspaper. Click here to see the story on page 5.

“I’ve always wanted to go on a pilgrimage and especially to another country, so when my teacher told my homeroom about World Youth Day (WYD), I was extremely interested in taking part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deepen my faith, visit historic churches and receive the gospel daily.”

“I feel very grateful to be selected for WYD and so happy to be part of this experience. It is my first trip overseas and the focus is on worshipping Jesus, which is extremely special and important to me.” Deng – Year 11

“Part of the reason I am attending WYD is to gain some global perspective. I have been a Catholic my entire life and have been attending Mass weekly for as long as I can remember, but there are people whose idea of Catholicism and faith in general will vary from mine and I am looking forward to meeting all sorts of new people to discover more about the world we live in.”

“I feel like it’s a bit of nervous anticipation. I’m nervous as it’s the furthest I’ve ever been from home, with or without family, but I’m also very lucky to have this opportunity, and I hope I can make our local Melton community proud.” Thinh – Year 11

“I wanted to travel to Portugal for WYD to meet many other people from across the world who share a similar interest in deepening our Catholic faith and connecting with God. I also look forward to learning more about Portuguese culture and exploring another country apart from Australia.”

“I feel a mix of emotions. I feel nervous because I am going to a new country with millions of other people. I also feel excited to experience something new, create memories and have the opportunity to take part. I will make the most of it.” Kevin - Year 11

“I wanted to be part of WYD to deepen my faith and better understand the world around me. I believe that God influences my life and has a great impact on the decisions I make. Going on this trip is an incredible opportunity for my peers and me and an amazing way to celebrate our faith with people as passionate as we are. We get the chance to connect with others and potentially make lifelong friends.”

“I am very excited about the upcoming trip to Portugal. I am delighted and grateful to have been chosen and will cherish it forever.” Anna – Year 11