World Youth Day 2023 commenced in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 1 with a grand opening Mass that drew hundreds of thousands of attendees.
Cardinal Manuel Clemente, the patriarch of Lisbon, led the Tuesday evening outdoor liturgy at Eduardo VII Park.

“Let us learn from Mary to greet each and every person. Let us intensely put it to practice this World Youth Day,” he expressed. “The new world begins in the newness of every encounter and in the sincerity of the greeting we exchange, so that we may be people among people, in a mutual and constant visitation."

“I wish you all a happy and inspiring World Youth Day,” he warmly conveyed.

In the historic European capital, youth from all corners of the globe have come together for a memorable and spiritually enriching experience lasting five days. This World Youth Day holds special significance as it is the first since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans for a gathering in 2022. The previous event took place in Panama in 2019.

Pope Francis is eagerly anticipated to join the festivities on Wednesday.

During a press conference held on Tuesday morning, organizers announced that an astounding 354,000 pilgrims from at least 143 countries have registered to participate in this remarkable event. The enthusiasm and diversity of the attendees are a testament to the universal appeal and unifying power of World Youth Day.

Cardinal Clemente delivered his homily amidst the sounds of commercial jets flying overhead, drawing inspiration from the Gospel reading, which holds the biblical motto for this World Youth Day: "Mary arose and went with haste" (Luke 1:39). He emphasized three key points from the Gospel passage, particularly relevant to the young congregation gathered before him.

Firstly, he highlighted Mary's determination as she embarked on a challenging path without the modern means of transportation available today. Despite her youth and the unique circumstances of conceiving Jesus, she courageously set out on her journey.

Drawing a parallel to the young pilgrims, the cardinal acknowledged the difficulties they also faced in reaching the event. Many had to overcome long distances, make connections, and bear the costs of the trip. It required resourcefulness, collective efforts, and the support of solidarity, which thankfully, was abundant among them.

The message resonated with the young participants, reflecting the spirit of unity, faith, and determination that marks this World Youth Day in Lisbon.

Cardinal Clemente further delved into the significance of Mary's role, emphasizing that she bore the blessed fruit of Jesus within her womb. He drew a parallel between Mary's physical carrying of Jesus and the spiritual connection Christians share with Him.

As believers, they receive Jesus through the Word, sacraments, and acts of charity, where He offers Himself to them.

With this profound understanding, the cardinal urged the young congregation to recognize their responsibility in carrying Jesus within them and sharing His presence with others.

He encouraged them to walk in the path of faith, guided by the same Spirit that led Mary. Just as Mary set out with an impulse to bring Jesus to the world, he called upon the young pilgrims to do the same and embark on their journeys with the shared purpose of spreading the message of Christ's love and grace.

The second point Cardinal Clemente highlighted in his homily revolves around Mary's swift and purposeful journey to visit her cousin in the hill country of Judea. He emphasized that Mary's haste was not driven by anxiety but by a serene urgency, one that allows for genuine sharing without trampling.

Likewise, the cardinal urged the young congregation to embrace this sense of haste without anxiety, as they come together to share their experiences and gifts. He encouraged them to recognize that the grace of these days amplifies what they bring and take with them, making their journey even more meaningful.

Lastly, Cardinal Clemente focused on the powerful greeting exchanged between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" He urged the young people to adopt this spirit of sincere welcome and full sharing in every meeting they have. As they gather in Lisbon, he assured them of a wholehearted welcome from the city, its families, and institutions that have opened their spaces and services to host the event.

Expressing gratitude to all those involved in organizing the event, the cardinal drew a parallel between their hospitality and the house of Elizabeth, which warmly welcomed Mary and Jesus, symbolising the spirit of unity and hospitality that pervades the World Youth Day gathering.

Cardinal Clemente, who became patriarch of Lisbon in 2013, succeeded Bishop José Policarpo and was ordained cardinal by Pope Francis in 2015. The auxiliary bishops of Lisbon are Bishop Joaquim Mendes and Bishop Américo Aguiar.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Lisbon on Wednesday morning. Following an official reception and welcome ceremony at the National Palace of Belém, which includes a courtesy visit to the Portuguese president, the pope is expected to pray vespers with a diverse group of clergy and pastoral workers at Jerónimos Monastery.

The eagerly anticipated official welcoming ceremony for World Youth Day with Pope Francis is set to take place at Meeting Hill (Eduardo VII Park) on Thursday, August 3rd. The youth from around the world have gathered in Lisbon to join the Pope for five days of worship, activities, and fellowship, marking the first World Youth Day since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans for a gathering in 2022. The last World Youth Day was held in Panama in 2019.