The Polish group, composed of four Salesians, traveled across Europe by car, stopping at various Salesian homes and presences on the continent, "thinking about what the journey to Portugal might be like," explained the Salesians involved in the expedition.
In addition to getting to know the Salesians in Lisbon, the Polish representatives had the opportunity to learn about the places where the meetings with the Holy Father will take place and clarify some doubts about the activities and different moments that shall characterize the World Youth Meeting.
Once in Portugal, the Polish Salesians also reached Porto, where they got to know the Salesian institute in the city and where they matured the decision that it will be precisely in that diocese that the young people they lead will experience, from July 26 to 31, 2023, the so-called “Days in the Diocese”, the traditional event that precedes the WYD program. Lastly, the Polish delegation also visited the Salesians of Estoril, who on 2 August 2023 will host "SYM DAY," the Salesian Youth Movement Day in the context of WYD.
"We are happy to be here," said Fr. Piotr, a Polish Salesian who is part of the team traveling to Lisbon. "I remember when there was a WYD in Czestochowa, in 1991, and Polish youth were able to experience the spirit of WYD. Youth participation was huge, boys and girls from all over Europe and the rest of the world came, young people embraced this proposal and liked it very much. And the proof of all this was then in 2016, with WYD in Krakow, with two million young participants, and the people of Poland who really put so much and so much effort into organizing it, creating an atmosphere of spirituality, and welcoming young people from every corner of the planet. All this is to say that, in general, young Poles are passionate about WYD and we know that there will be great participation in Lisbon2023 as well."
The Salesian Youth Movement invites young people to live and experience WYD Lisbon 2023 according to the charism of Don Bosco, thanks to and together with WYD DON BOSCO 23, the organization that works to prepare and accompany all the dynamics, processes, and moments planned for WYD.
In this sense, the coordination team of the WYD DON BOSCO 23 organization also emphasizes that the motivation for the participation of Polish and Portuguese youth is still ongoing and is being carried out in many ways, including constant animation on social networks.
An interview with members of the Polish delegation visiting Lisbon is available online.
Information about Portugal, Lisbon, and WYD is available at www.wyddonbosco23.pt, launched on the Feast of Don Bosco, January 31.
