For the first time, the Diocese of Birmingham is partnering with Verso Ministries to guide youth on a World Youth Day pilgrimage on Aug. 1-6, 2023. The experience will consist of 11 days and 10 nights in beautiful and historic Portugal. Preceding World Youth Day events, our group will explore Santarem, Sintra, and Fatima. Pilgrims will spend the remainder of the trip engaging in catechesis offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), praise and worship at the Youth Festival, and reconciliation. Pope Francis will lead the Stations of the Cross, a candlelight vigil, and celebration of the closing Mass. We will sleep under the stars with pilgrims from around the world on our final night.

World Youth Day is pilgrimage of young people from all over the world gathering for a chance to foster a personal encounter with Christ in the “laboratory of faith.” Since its institution by Pope John Paul II in 1986, over ten million youth have attended World Youth Days. One million youth are expected to gather for the 16th World Youth Day celebration with His Holiness Pope Francis. 

Using the words of the Apostles, Pope Francis calls us to “Arise! I have appointed you to testify to what you have seen” (Acts 26:16). The theme for 2023 is “Mary went in haste...” When Mary heard the good news that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, she hurried to meet her. We also should be eager to spread the Good News. Mary greeted her cousin with love and friendship. This same pattern can inform the relationship young people cultivate with Christ.

Our youth are not simply the future of the Church - they are the present. Wherever young people gather, their passion and enthusiasm are infectious. When young people gather to grow closer to Christ, their passion can be transformative.