Isaac Ojo, a dedicated WYD 2023 Pilgrim, candidly voiced his initial excitement before embarking on his journey. “The Salesian family is one of a kind, even as I was not in my own country, it is still felt like my home. Getting to meet Salesians from different parts of the world and sharing our experiences together makes you feel the Don Bosco spirit amongst us. At WYD, the vibe was on a different level, you could feel the animator’s vibe from each country, vibrant and youthful, and it makes you feel like you’re at home in the holiday camp. We had a SYM Forum Festival with the theme “Come, Live and Proclaim”.

Amuche Clare, another ardent participant, candidly narrated her observations during her travels. Reflecting on the airports in Nigeria, France, and Lisbon, she highlighted the stark contrasts in demeanor, attesting to the graciousness and equality displayed at the European airports. Her experiences at the SYM (Salesian Youth Movement) carnival deepened her appreciation for the shared spiritual quest that unites young souls irrespective of their origins.

Fasehun Oluwakorede Mary, in recounting her journey, unveiled not just a physical passage but a transformative pilgrimage. From moments of adoration and rosary before departure to the awe-inspiring sights of Lisbon, Fasehun detailed a journey filled with personal growth and spiritual awakening. Her vivid account of World Youth Day showcased the scale and impact of the event, uniting 1.5 million participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. “The world youth day program was really a pilgrimage journey as everyone had to walk from their different locations to the centers where the events were to take place. It was indeed spirit filled and enlightening. About 1.5million people attended (both catholic and non-Catholics) with the presence of 30 cardinals, 700 bishops and 10,000 priests.”

Detailing the sentiments of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, the journey to World Youth Day held a profound significance. He emphasized, “By God’s grace I have the great gift of experiencing World Youth Day in Lisbon with hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world, including about 9,000 boys and girls from the Salesian Youth Movement who come from 134 countries of the many continents where our works are present. I am convinced that all the young people who have travelled to Lisbon feel in their hearts that something beautiful and good is about to happen in their lives.”

Another young person remarked, “The apex of SYM Day was marked by the traditional goodnight wishes from Rector Major Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime and Mother General Sr. Chiara Cazzuola. Their paternal and maternal guidance resonated deeply, urging the young participants to embrace their identity as children of God and proud heirs of the legacy of Don Bosco and Mary Mazarello. We truly felt as children of the Salesian family”.

Amid the dynamic events of World Youth Day, Pope Francis’ presence radiated great inspiration. His meetings with dignitaries, clergy, and victims of abuse underscored his commitment to dialogue, healing, and renewal. The youth held a special place in his agenda, with encounters that encouraged them to “seek and take risks” in creating a world that centers on the human person. Pope Francis’ visit to the Hill of Encounter and the Park of Forgiveness symbolized his belief in the transformative power of faith and reconciliation.

The young people feel very much the impact of this WYD and they continue to savour the fruits that they have reaped and cherishing the memories of those days at Lisbon.

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